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Canadians celebrate the Queen’s Official Birthday on the first Monday before May 25 because the weather is better. Really…that’s the official reason. So, since good weather is sufficient for a celebration, let’s celebrate Brock Zeman’s fabulous music this Saturday night. The forecast is promising:
It’s not really Her birthday (real birthday: April 21), so we invited Her Majesty to join us on Saturday for a song or two with Brock before She dashes off to other Commonwealth celebrations later in the weekend. Unfortunately we learned she will be away at Her cottage planting tomatoes.
Nevertheless, please join us and the Queen’s portrait for an evening with Brock Zeman, a rising star from Carleton Place. You may already have heard Brock around town in some noisy bar. But this guy writes songs. Good songs with great lyrics. This is a unique chance to enjoy Brock Zeman in the “Spirit of Rasputin’s Listening Environment” with the fabulous acoustics at Westboro Masonic Hall.
What: Brock Zeman in Concert (more info…)
When: Saturday, May 18, 8:00pm
Where: Westboro Masonic Hall, 430 Churchill at Byron (Google map… (https://maps NULL.google NULL.ca/maps?q=Westboro+Masonic+Hall,+430+Churchill+Avenue+North,+Ottawa,+ON&hl=en&sll=56,-96&sspn=66 NULL.457424,214 NULL.277344&oq=West&hq=Westboro+Masonic+Hall,&hnear=430+Churchill+Ave+N,+Ottawa,+Ontario+K1Z+5C9&t=m&z=16))
Tickets: $20 at the door or online here… (https://www NULL.paypal NULL.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=R5TMU6CMMGZME)
See you there,
Hollis Morgan
President, Spirit of Rasputin’s Arts Society
Starting this Friday Apr 12th and continuing right up to Wednesday May 1st, many Spirit of Rasputin’s volunteers are working flat out to put on several events in a row. As well as organizing three events of our own, many of us are also volunteering at the Ottawa Grassroots Festival organized by SoR member Bob Nesbitt. April always seems to be our busiest month. It’s a Canadian thing. Having finished chipping away the last of the winter ice, it’s time to go out and celebrate! And what a choice we have in the next few weeks! There’s something for everyone: song writers, entire families, old song buffs, and graduates of the protest generation. Here’s the lineup:
Friday Apr 12 & Saturday Apr 13
NOTE: Start time 7:00pm both nights
Westboro Masonic Hall, 430 Churchill at Byron (Map… (https://maps NULL.google NULL.ca/maps?q=Westboro+Masonic+Hall,+430+Churchill+Avenue+North,+Ottawa,+ON&hl=en&sll=49 NULL.891235,-97 NULL.15369&sspn=45 NULL.618131,114 NULL.169922&oq=Westboro&hq=Westboro+Masonic+Hall,&hnear=430+Churchill+Ave+N,+Ottawa,+Ontario+K1Z+5C9&t=m&z=16))
No advance tickets: Pass-the-hat to pay the rent.
Songwriters are invited to compose a song to one of several predefined set of topics. This year’s topics are: a good finish, nice try, fences, crooked line, a nonsense song. More info…
Saturday Apr 20, 8:00pm
Westboro Masonic Hall, 430 Churchill at Byron (Map… (https://maps NULL.google NULL.ca/maps?q=Westboro+Masonic+Hall,+430+Churchill+Avenue+North,+Ottawa,+ON&hl=en&sll=49 NULL.891235,-97 NULL.15369&sspn=45 NULL.618131,114 NULL.169922&oq=Westboro&hq=Westboro+Masonic+Hall,&hnear=430+Churchill+Ave+N,+Ottawa,+Ontario+K1Z+5C9&t=m&z=16))
Tickets: $25 online here (https://www NULL.paypal NULL.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=L55PH5RC435YW) and at the Ottawa Folklore Centre.
Finest Kind is the remarkable folk trio from Ottawa whose exquisite harmony singing and brilliant vocal arrangements are bringing a fresh sense of excitement and discovery to the performance of old songs. This show is selling very well in advance and may sell out so get your tickets now.
Saturday Apr 27 & Sunday Apr 28
Rideau Curling Club, 715 Cooper St, corner of Percy. (Map…) (https://maps NULL.google NULL.ca/maps?q=Rideau+Curling+Club,+715+Cooper+Street,+Ottawa,+ON&hl=en&ll=45 NULL.412943,-75 NULL.704663&spn=0 NULL.01205,0 NULL.027874&sll=45 NULL.402078,-75 NULL.691413&sspn=0 NULL.012053,0 NULL.027874&oq=Rideau+Curling+Club,+715+Cooper+St&hq=Rideau+Curling+Club,&hnear=715+Cooper+St,+Ottawa,+Ontario+K1R+5J5&t=m&z=16)
An annual family oriented celebration of folk music, dance, and spoken word. See www.ottawagrassrootsfestival.com/ (http://ottawagrassrootsfestival NULL.com/) for the complete schedule (daytime and nighttime events) and to purchase tickets in advance. The daytime is free. Performers for the evening concerts include headliners Wendell Ferguson and Suzie Vinnick on Saturday and Big Soul Project Community Gospel Choir and Band on Sunday.
Wednesday May 1st
NOTE: Start time is 7:30pm.
Glebe Community Centre, 175 Third Avenue (Map…) (https://maps NULL.google NULL.ca/maps?q=Glebe+Community+Centre,+175+Third+Avenue,+Ottawa,+ON&hl=en&sll=45 NULL.390793,-75 NULL.753219&sspn=0 NULL.012055,0 NULL.027874&oq=Glebe+Community+Centre&hq=Glebe+Community+Centre,&hnear=175+Third+Ave,+Ottawa,+Ontario+K1S+2K2&t=m&z=16)
Tickets $10 online here (https://www NULL.paypal NULL.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=3DHMAHWMKWKNE), at the Ottawa Folklore Centre, and at the door.
Gil’s Hootenanny is a community sing-along event that takes place each year on May 1st, May Day, the international workers’ holiday. Musicians from a range of backgrounds take turns leading the audience to sing songs of protest and songs of hope. Sponsored by CUPE The Canadian Union of Public Employees and PSAC The Public Service Alliance of Canada. A co-production by Spirit of Rasputin’s and the Gil’s Hootenanny Organizing Committee.
I’ll be at the sound board for all these events. Stop by and say howdy.
Cheers,
Hollis Morgan
President, Spirit of Rasputin’s Arts Society
I’ve been waiting for this show for a long time. Normally, whenever I get a chance to see The Pat Moore Trio it is in some giant hall as part of a major extravaganza such as The Ottawa Opry or a major festival. Finally I get to be up close in an intimate environment with fabulous acoustics. Click here to buy your tickets (https://www NULL.paypal NULL.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=RZJ6XBYGMHZ84) for this Saturday’s Featured Artist Concert featuring Pat with her sidekicks Ann Downey and Pat McLaughlin.
When: Sat Feb 09, 2013 8:00 pm – 10:30 pm
Where: Westboro Masonic Hall, 430 Churchill at Byron Here’s a map… (http://goo NULL.gl/maps/aMy4b)
Pat Moore’s voice has a warm and expressive quality, as perfectly suited to a rich ballad, as it is to an up-tempo power song. She moves easily from the storytelling of the singer/songwriter genre, to jazz, and to the lonesome sound of traditional country and bluegrass. Whether performing for large audiences or small, Pat creates an intimacy that draws the listener in. This feeling translates to her recordings: “The Time’s Never Been Better” and “Take it to Heart“. Both have received praise from far and wide – Holland, Italy, Australia, the U.S. and across Canada.
The Pat Moore trio enjoys the fine musicianship of Ann Downey on bass and vocals (Finest Kind) and Pat McLaughlin on guitar, mandolin, and vocals (Grievous Angel The Legend of Gram Parsons).
Check out the poster and a longer write-up on Rasputins.ca.
Le Michel-ange Cafe has moved from 35 Laurel Street into the foyer of the GCTC Theatre. This has disrupted our schedule of events originally planned for the old location. So The Cabaret Concert Series and The Next Stage series will be at Westboro Masonic Hall on Sunday afternoons. Kate, our artistic director, and all the musicians and hosts involved have done a lot of planning to setup the new schedule. Thanks to all.
Please check rasputins.ca for all the changes to dates. Matinees will all run from 3pm to 5pm. This will be a lot of fun and as well as more family friendly. Children 12 and under are free. The kitchen will be serving coffee, tea, soft drinks, juice, cookies and popcorn. Our first matinee is March 3rd for The Next Stage with Ron Mills and Cornflower Blue.
Spirit of Rasputin’s Annnual General Meeting of Members will be held on February 17 at 2pm at Whispers Pub and Eatery. This is for members only, but you can buy your membership at the meeting and your vote will still count. If you want more information, please contact me directly at hmorgan@hollismorgan.com.
Thanks for reading,
Hollis Morgan
President, Spirit of Rasputin’s Arts Society
When: 8:00 PM Sat Jan 19, 2013
Where: Westboro Masonic Hall, 430 Churchill Ave. Google Map… (https://maps NULL.google NULL.ca/maps?q=Westboro+Masonic+Hall,+450+Churchill+Ave,+Ottawa,+ON&hl=en&sll=56,-96&sspn=66 NULL.457424,214 NULL.277344&hq=Westboro+Masonic+Hall,&hnear=450+Churchill+Ave+N,+Ottawa,+Ottawa+Division,+Ontario+K1Z+5C9&t=m&z=16)
Tickets: $20. Buy online now… (https://www NULL.paypal NULL.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=N3QW73QDRNXSJ)
Terry Tufts is a finger-style guitarist who has been playing music for enjoyment since 1963 and as a professional since 1974.
His father’s job with the Canadian Government moved the family to Denver, Colorado in the U.S. in the 1960′s at a time when the folk and rock music genres were influencing opinion everywhere. In 1974 he moved to Fredericton, New Brunswick, to begin pursuing his own musical career as a singer-songwriter and guitarist, as well as working as a session musician and sideman for a variety of artists including: Tom Paxton, Kathryn Briggs, David Francey, Colleen Peterson, Laura Smith, Laura Bird, Ian Tamblyn, Bill Garrett & Sue Lothrop, Charlie Sohmer, The Arrogant Worms, Wayne Rostad, Susan Aglukark, Tracey Brown, and George Fox.
He has 7 albums to his credit.
Performing with Kathryn Briggs and Ken Workman, Terry will be putting on an amazing show not to be missed!. Doors open at 7:30pm.
See you there!
Hollis Morgan
President, Spirit of Rasputin’s Arts Society
That’s as close as I get to a seasonal salutation in Esperanto. Remember Esperanto? That weird language created by a guy (Dr Ludwig Lazarus Zamenhof) 100 years ago who meant well? For his day he was smart, contemporary, and just a little idealistic. He tried to make the world a better place through universal communication. Kind of like folk music today…but without the clever rhymes, beautiful melodies and intelligent lyrics. So may you enjoy health, comfort, prosperity and nice folk music (instead of irritating muzak) this holiday season.
Okay, irritating muzak isn’t likely to be outlawed anytime soon. But you have a chance this Saturday night to enjoy some folky grooves at our annual Santa’s Beard pass-the-hat charity extravaganza in support of the Ottawa Snowsuit Fund with the help of our sponsor The Public Service Alliance of Canada, National Capital Region. We have three great bands lined up.
Who: Bob Spelled Backwards, Terry McLeish Trio, Hurry Up & Wait
What: Rasputin’s Beard a.k.a Santa’s Beard
When: Sat Dec 15, 2012 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Tickets: No cover. Pass-the-hat to support the Ottawa Snowsuit Fund.
Where: Westboro Masonic Hall, 430 Churchill Ave – Ottawa
View Larger Map (https://maps NULL.google NULL.ca/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=Westboro+Masonic+Hall,+430+Churchill+Avenue+North,+Ottawa,+ON&aq=0&oq=Westboro+masonic+hall+430+Churchill+&sll=45 NULL.392378,-75 NULL.753222&sspn=0 NULL.009358,0 NULL.026157&gl=ca&ie=UTF8&hq=Westboro+Masonic+Hall,&hnear=430+Churchill+Ave+N,+Ottawa,+Ontario+K1Z+5C9&ll=45 NULL.392378,-75 NULL.753222&spn=0 NULL.006295,0 NULL.006295&t=m)
So translating my Esperanto to Latin we have “Natale hilare et annum faustum” or loosely to English as “Party ’til you drop!”
Cheers,
Hollis Morgan
President, Spirit of Rasputin’s Arts Society
I just noticed the other day that seasonal music is springing up in muzak systems across shopper-land. While wandering the aisles in search of the right gift for a special someone, I was thinking about what gift would strike the right note. This is important in a family as artistically inclined as mine. I finally realized, it wasn’t a “thing” I was searching for…it was a process. A way to bring loved ones together in celebration. So this year Kate and I will gift charities in the names of others and celebrate this marvelous but challenged world with song.
Spirit of Rasputin’s has four concert events planned between now and year’s end, two of which are charitable. I hope you can attend some if not all.
When: 8:00 PM Sat Nov 24, 2012
Where: Westboro Masonic Hall, 430 Churchill Ave (Map… (http://maps NULL.google NULL.ca/maps?q=The+Westboro+Masonic+Hall&hl=en&ll=45 NULL.390795,-75 NULL.753222&spn=0 NULL.023236,0 NULL.055747&sll=45 NULL.390916,-75 NULL.753565&sspn=0 NULL.023236,0 NULL.055747&gl=ca&hq=The+Westboro+Masonic+Hall&t=m&z=15))
Tickets: $20. Buy online here…!!
Amanda with bandmates Danny Artuso, Ken Kanwisher, and Gilles LeClerc are “the” hot new band in town. This event is selling extremely well. Tickets are still available online and at The Ottawa Folklore Centre. If you don’t purchase advance tickets, I advise you to show up early. This show may sellout.
When: Sat Dec 01, 2012 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Where: Le Michel-Ange Café-Warehouse-Roasting, 35 Laurel Street (Map… (http://maps NULL.google NULL.ca/maps?q=Le+Michel-Ange+Caf%C3%A9-Warehouse-Roasting&ie=UTF8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&channel=fflb&fb=1&gl=ca&hq=Le+Michel-Ange+Caf%C3%A9-Warehouse-Roasting&hnear=0x4cce05b25f5113af:0x8a6a51e131dd15ed,Ottawa,+ON&cid=0,0,9538114559981659874&t=m&z=16&iwloc=A))
Tickets: Pass-the-hat to support the artists.
Steel Moon
Fast rising Steel Moon (http://www.steelmoonsound.com/home.html) is just back from showcasing at the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals in Mississauga. Having previously played at Rasputin’s Beard this is our chance to hear them stretch out into a longer set.
“Milliken’s fluid guitar style complements the husky resonance of Larocque’s voice, while the lyrics convey a sense of hopeful resolution.” — Lynn Saxberg, The Ottawa Citizen
Lukas Grant
Currently working hard on their first CD, Lucas Grant comprises Lucas and bandmate Brent Millar.
When: Sat Dec 08, 2012 8:00 pm – 10:30 pm
Where: Le Michel-Ange Café-Warehouse-Roasting, 35 Laurel Street (Map… (http://maps NULL.google NULL.ca/maps?q=Le+Michel-Ange+Caf%C3%A9-Warehouse-Roasting&ie=UTF8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&channel=fflb&fb=1&gl=ca&hq=Le+Michel-Ange+Caf%C3%A9-Warehouse-Roasting&hnear=0x4cce05b25f5113af:0x8a6a51e131dd15ed,Ottawa,+ON&cid=0,0,9538114559981659874&t=m&z=16&iwloc=A))
Tickets: $10 at the door
Sjef, our well loved Spirit of Rasputins Open Stage organizer, tells stories in the form of songs, verse and prose. This is a rare opportunity to share an entire evening with him.
All proceeds for this evening go to Micro-Chalice – a Canadian charity that lends small amounts of money to aspiring entrepreneurs in third-world countries. Upon repayment, the moneys are reinvested similarly.
When: Sat Dec 15, 2012 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Where: Westboro Masonic Hall, 430 Churchill (Map… (http://maps NULL.google NULL.ca/maps?q=The+Westboro+Masonic+Hall&hl=en&ll=45 NULL.390795,-75 NULL.753222&spn=0 NULL.023236,0 NULL.055747&sll=45 NULL.390916,-75 NULL.753565&sspn=0 NULL.023236,0 NULL.055747&gl=ca&hq=The+Westboro+Masonic+Hall&t=m&z=15))
Tickets: Pass-the-hat
The December version of Rasputin’s Beard is referred to as Santa’s Beard and always supports the Ottawa Snowsuit Fund. All four bands volunteer their time and talent. The Canadian Union of Public Employees covers the rent for the building. SOCAN forgoes their usual fee. Constant Sound Studio donates the sound and light. All we need is an enthusiastic audience in a generous mood. Rasputin’s Beard is always a charitable event, and always an immense amount of fun and energy.
Cheers,
Hollis Morgan
President, Spirit of Rasputin’s Arts Society
Note: I have resent this newsletter with a correction to the Amanada Bon concert date…whew!
I live in a red oak forest. Oaks hold their leaves tenaciously in the fall. We and our neighbours never know if our yards will get raked up before the snow. Well, this year Sandy and “the dreadful wind and rain” helped solve that dilemma. All the leaves are down. Now…if I can just find the time to get out there with a rake!!
In the meantime, here are three events to tweak your interest in the calm following the storm. There’s no excuse for me not to be at all of them since I never rake leaves after dark. Too many bears.
As part of our mandate to support and nurture emerging artists, The Next Stage features selected artists from the Rasputin’s Open Stage. This should be a very entertaining evening featuring two talented and markedly different singer-songwriters.
More info here…
Amanda Bon hits all the right notes. We have seen her progress from the Open Stage to Rasputin’s Beard and now on to our Featured Artists’ stage. Great songs, great band, and a heart warming delivery.
More info here…
This is a rare opportunity to catch Canada’s premier bluegrass ensemble. Inducted into the Nova Scotia Country Music Hall of Fame in 2010, The Spinney Brothers are an internationally acclaimed band who just happen to be passing through Ottawa on a Tuesday night. In return for the valley ‘grassers helping us promote our own bluegrass event last October with Concession 23, it seemed only fair to give a shout-out to this event in return. Thanks to Spirit member Dave Porter, President, Ottawa Valley Bluegrass Music Association, for bringing this event to town.
More info here…
Cheers,
Hollis Morgan
President, Spirit of Rasputin’s Arts Society
The 2011/2012 season is rolling home featuring home-brewed talent. The four remaining events before our summer break all feature local musicians in interesting settings.
When: 8pm Saturday, May 26
Where: Westboro Masonic Hall, 430 Churchill at Byron
Admission: FREE (pass-the-hat)
This year’s Chrysalis features a dozen local songwriters. Each will perform two songs not of their own composition. Always a treat, the format this year is based on a song circle with artists taking turns presenting their favourite Ottawa Valley compositions. Missy tells me there are still a couple of slots open, so if you want to sign up, contact her at burgesm@algonquincollege.com (burgesm null@null algonquincollege NULL.com?subject=Chrysalis)
More info here…
When: 7:30pm Saturday, June 2
Where: Le Michel-Ange Cafe, 35 Laurel St, off Breezehill north of Gladstone
Admission: FREE (pass-the-hat)
Who: Kelly Sloan, Motel Raphaël, and Blue Blue Satellite
Getting in three sets of great music means starting a little early. This should be a great show!!
Kelly Sloan http://kellysloan.ca/ (http://kellysloan NULL.ca/)
Motel Raphaël http://www.myspace.com/motelraphael (http://www NULL.myspace NULL.com/motelraphael)
Blue Blue Satellite http://www.bluebluesatellite.com (http://www NULL.bluebluesatellite NULL.com)
When: 8pm Saturday, June 9
Where: Le Michel-Ange Cafe, 35 Laurel St, off Breezehill north of Gladstone
Admission: $12
Who: Greg Kelly & The Broken Windows Philharmonic, Jim Robinson opening
This is the Ottawa CD release for Greg’s new project “Slow Horses” which is already getting a lot of air play from Chopper McKinnon on Canadian Spaces. Greg says most of the various ‘shards’ comprising The Broken Windows Philharmonic will be on stage for this event including Hollis Morgan, Jamie Gullickson, and Andrew Snow. More about Greg… (http://gregkellysongs NULL.ca)
When: 8pm Saturday, June 16
Where: Westboro Masonic Hall, 430 Churchill at Byron
Admission: FREE (pass-the-hat)
Who: Cornflower Blue (http://cornflowerbluemusic NULL.com), The Pilkingtones, Jazz Latté, Los Outliers d’Amour
This June’s Beard (our last of the season) will be raising funds for The Ottawa Food Bank. Food donations always seem to taper off as we approach the summer, so we will raise as much cash as we can…the Food Bank likes cash since it allows them to purchase items noone has donated. 100% of cash raised by pass-the-hat will go to the Food Bank thanks to the sponsorship of PSAC National Capital Region who generously cover our rent for the hall. More info…
See you out there!!
Hollis Morgan
President, Spirit of Rasputin’s Arts Society
The third annual May Day “Gil’s Hootenanny” was a rousing success with a full house at the NAC Fourth Stage. Each iteration’s venue has been filled to capacity…first The Elmdale Tavern in 2010, then overflowing The Westboro Masonic Hall in 2011 and now a packed Fourth Stage in 2012. If you missed it…there’s always next year!! At some point we’ll have to book an arena for this one.
Coming up this month we have three great concert events:
Who: Mark Evenchick and Wayne Lyrette
Where: Le Michel-Ange Cafe, 35 Laurel Ave.
When: 7:30pm Saturday May 5th
Tickets: Free admission, pass-the-hat
Rasputin’s Next Stage moves to Le Michel-Ange Cafe this Saturday giving it more room to grow. Two popular regulars from our Open Stage are sure to please. We have all been enjoying Wayne Lyrette’s increasing poise and expanding repertoire on stage. His contributions at Song Along were a real treat. I’m looking forward to a full set of his great songs and humour in the second set. The opening set features Mark Evenchick with a selection of songs from his first CD as well as songs he is planning for his second CD. NOTE the start time is 7:30 not 8 as previously indicated on the website.
Who: The Sultans of String
Where: First Unitarian Congregation, 30 Cleary Ave.
When: 8pm Saturday May 12th
Tickets: $25 at the Ottawa Folklore Centre, and online (click here) (https://www NULL.paypal NULL.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=VCJRM5HKYXDEE)
Accessible?: Yes! Wheelchair entrance and elevator at ground level.
We are very excited to be part of The Sultans of String CD release tour for “MOVE”, their 3rd CD. Since their formation only 5 years ago, they have been riding a wave of success, from their debut CD, “Luna”, and 2nd offering, “Yalla Yalla”, both hitting # 1 on world/international music charts in Canada, to their triple Canadian Folk Music Award nomination, winning Instrumental Group of the Year.
“Canada is a real meeting places of musical influences from around the world” says bandleader/violinst McKhool. “At the same time, as a band we try to tell uniquely Canadian stories, putting forth our vision of the world as one family.” Chris’ paternal Makhoul grandparents immigrated to Canada from Lebanon in the early 1900s, and his Egyptian-born mother, an accomplished pianist, also has paternal Lebanese ancestry. “Growing up, I was taught the values of tolerance, respect for all peoples and celebration of culture.” McKhool’s unbridled passion for exploring the rhythms and melodies has led him to the far corners of the world, incorporating instruments and styles everywhere he went. More about The Sultans of String…
You do not want to miss this concert!! NOTE the location is not our usual concert venue. The First Unitarian Congregation is on Clerary Ave. off Richmond Road just east of Woodroffe. Here’s a map. (http://g NULL.co/maps/ts9ur)
Who: Various artists (TBA) with host Missy Burgess
Where: Westboro Masonic Hall, 430 Churchill
When: 8pm Saturday May 26th
Tickets: Free admission, pass-the-hat
The chrysalis symbolizes rebirth. This event celebrates Ottawa songwriters by asking the performers (all songrwriters) to sing the songs of another Ottawa songwriter. As Missy says, “I like to refer to the “rebirth” of a song (thus, the name Chrysalis) when someone other than the writer performs it.” For 9 years now many Ottawa singer/songwriters have been getting together once a year to perform each others’ works in and amidst the work of others from the Ottawa valley. Come and enjoy an evening of surprising twists to songs you have heard from local artists.
And of course, don’t forget our Open Stage continues every Monday upstairs at Whispers and the Folkalong Jam convenes every Tuesday at the Georgetown Pub.
Cheers,
Hollis Morgan
President, Spirit of Rasputin’s Arts Society
In this newsletter:
Ronnie Hawkins had a big hit with Chuck Berry’s song 30 days by changing it to 40 days. Sometimes you just have to try something new. So this “monthly missive” covers about 40 days of Spirit of Rasputin’s activities.
We all love the intimacy and acoustics of our concerts at the Westboro Masonic Hall, but this spring we will present two larger events at different venues so pay attention to the “where:” for Gil’s Hootenanny and The Sultans of String in the announcements below.
Who: John Bowman/ Vince Halfhide & Chris White
What: The first in the “Cabaret Concert Series”
When: 8pm Saturday April 21, 2012
Where: Westboro Masonic Hall, 430 Churchill at Byron
Tickets: $20 [ Click here to buy online now!! (https://www NULL.paypal NULL.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=2FGE8PFBNKWCJ) ] or buy in person at the Ottawa Folklore Centre.
This is the first of a series we call “Cabaret Concerts” where the performers are members of Spirit of Rasputin’s. The series launch is at the Masonic Hall and then the series continues in June at Le Michel-Ange. More info on the “Series” will be in the next newsletter but here we present the inaugural event in this series.
Set 1: John Bowman and Friends
John divides his time betweeen Vancouver and Ottawa working in labour relations and performing in local clubs. He is a poetic composer with a thoughtful delivery and a beautiful finger-picking guitar style. Expect to hear quite a few songs from his CD “Beach on the Ocean” accompanied by the musicians from that project: Tobias Meis (bass), Mark St. Jean (harmonica), and Kristine St. Pierre (backup vocals). John donates the proceeds from sales of his CD to The Canadian Women’s Foundation – Shelter From the Storm. This is a man with a lot of class and a heart as big as Canada. (John’s website… (http://johnbowman NULL.ca/))
Set 2: Vince Halfhide with Chris White (and special guest Mary Gick)
Guitarist Vince Halfhide has performed and recorded with Sneezy Waters, Andrea and the Fun Guys, The Jivewires, Larry “the Bird” Mootham, Missy Burgess, The Mighty Popo, Chris White, The Toasted Westerns, Heaven’s Radio / Terry Gillespie and many others. He is at ease with a wide range of musical styles, including folk, country, blues, R&B, reggae, jazz and African music. More recently, another Vince has emerged: a singer-songwriter whose original songs are as entertaining, evocative and far-ranging as his guitar work.
Chris grew up in a musical family and has been writing and performing songs all his life. He plays guitar and ukulele, writes witty songs, teaches songwriting classes and directs Ottawa’s new Shout Brother choir. As a community event organizer, Chris has played key roles with the Ottawa Folk Festival, Writer’s Bloc and CKCU FM. His songs are at once humorous and touching, and provide lots of opportunities for audience involvement. His two CDs of original songs have generated great enthusiasm.
In performance together, Chris and Vince blend voices and instruments to create a unique and memorable experience.
What: May Day: Gil’s Hootenanny
Who: TBA a wide variety of labour activists and performers
When: 7:30pm Tuesday May 1, 2012
Where: NAC Fourth Stage
Tickets: $15 [ Click here to buy online now!! (https://www NULL.paypal NULL.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=HS3UGDY6GMVM8) ] or buy in person at the NAC box office.
This event has simply outgrown the Masonic Hall! So join us for an evening celebrating working men and women in song and story. This good old fashioned hootenanny is always on May Day which is a Tuesday this year. Spirit of Rasputin’s thanks CUPE for their generous sponsorship of this event.
Watch the website for the official announcement of who is performing this year. Chris White is still busy lining everyone up as I write this.
Who: The Sultans of String
When: 8pm Saturday May 12
Where: First Unitarian Congregation, 30 Cleary Ave.
Tickets: $25 [ Click here to buy online now!! (https://www NULL.paypal NULL.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=VCJRM5HKYXDEE) ] or buy in person at the Ottawa Folklore Centre.
Each year we bring you a world class instrumental extravaganza. On Sat May 12, raucous world-roots string wizards, 2x CFMA winners & JUNO nominees, Sultans of String, serve up their spicy stew of Gypsy jazz, Spanish flamenco, Global roots, and Cuban rhythms at The Spirit of Rasputin’s!
“Canada’s ambassadors of musical diversity” include 6-string violinist Chris McKhool (Pavlo), guitar wizard Kevin Laliberté (Jesse Cook, guested on tour with The Chieftains), bass master Drew Birston (Chantal Kreviazuk, Amanda Martinez), and the jaw dropping talent of Cuban percussionist Chendy Leon (Alex Cuba, Parachute Club)!
Seamlessly traversing diverse themes of heart, place and tradition, fiery violin dances with kinetic guitar while a funk bass lays down unstoppable grooves. Throughout, acoustic strings meet electronic wizardry to create layers and depth of sound.
Since their formation only 5 years ago, Sultans of String have been riding a wave of success, from their debut CD, “Luna”, and 2nd offering, “Yalla Yalla”, both hitting # 1 on world/international music charts in Canada, to their triple Canadian Folk Music Award nomination, winning Instrumental Group of the Year.
In the 2 years alone, they’ve acquired a JUNO nomination, representation from acclaimed promoter David Wilkes (Emmylou Harris, Bela Fleck, Melanie), and booking representation in the US, UK and Australia. They also took home 1st place in the International Songwriting Competition (out of 15,000 entries), placed as finalists for two 2011 International Independent Music Awards, garnered 2 awards from Festival & Events Ontario, and Ontario Contact’s Artist of The Year.
The band just released their new and 3rd CD, MOVE, a perfect hat-trick presenting, once again, an exhilarating celebration of world music styles.
“Canada is a real meeting places of musical influences from around the world” says bandleader/violinst McKhool. “At the same time, as a band we try to tell uniquely Canadian stories, putting forth our vision of the world as one family.” Chris’ paternal Makhoul grandparents immigrated to Canada from Lebanon in the early 1900s, and his Egyptian-born mother, an accomplished pianist, also has paternal Lebanese ancestry. “Growing up, I was taught the values of tolerance, respect for all peoples and celebration of culture.” McKhool’s unbridled passion for exploring the rhythms and melodies has led him to the far corners of the world, incorporating instruments and styles everywhere he went. (Their website… (http://www NULL.sultansofstring NULL.com ))
Cheers,
Hollis Morgan
President, Spirit of Rasputin’s Arts Society
p.s. Don’t forget about the Monday Open Stage upstairs at Whispers, and the Tuesday Folkalong Jam in the back room of The Georgetown.
In this newsletter:
After a pause where many of our key organizers, including yours truly, traveled to sunny and warmer climes, we are all back and hitting the ground running. In addition to a robust schedule of musical events, we have a workshop for songwriters and the second AGM of members.
Several events take advantage of our new relationship with Le Michel-Ange Coffee Roasting Warehouse and Cafe at 35 Laurel Street. And…drum roll here…we have a new sponsor. The Public Service Alliance of Canada (National Capital Region) has agreed to cover all hall rental expenses for the next four Rasputin’s Beard charity events. For those who didn’t already know, the SoR board of directors decided to remit 100% of all Rasputin’s Beard’s pass-the-hat funds to local charities. This month’s charity is the local Stop the Bullying program.
Where: Whispers Pub (upstairs), 249 Richmond Road
When: 7:30pm Sunday March 4th
Who: John Casselman and Julie Element
This is a pass-the-hat event.
NOTE the start time is 30 minutes later than usual with two performers instead of three.
John says, “I began writing songs in 2001 after my guitar teacher encouraged me to perform at Rasputin’s Open Stage. It was at Rasputin’s that I learned how limitations could bring freedom: I didn’t have a manager, a producer, or a band; but I could still make cds that were worth serious consideration. In 2005 I recorded my first rock opera, ‘The Hosta Family’. ‘The Jasper Hand’ (the backstory to ‘Hosta’) was recorded in 2008. Through rock opera I see where it is that I tend to abdicate my ideals. I then try to move my characters’ strength, knowledge, and power out of the household into the street.”
Julie is a true folky with experience performing, composing, and hosting other folk events both live and on radio (CKCU). Referred to by Lynn Saxburg as “a witty Brit”, Julie writes “slightly wacky songs about trains and buses, and delivers them with gusto.”
Where: Le Michel-Ange Coffee Roasting Cafe, 35 Laurel St
When: Two nights, 7pm Fri/Sat the 9th and 10th
Who: Many performers, hosted by Tony Turner and Greg Kelly
This is a pass-the-hat event.
It’s hard to believe but the Great Canadian Song-Along is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Song-Along is Ottawa’s annual songwriting and performance event. The event is co-produced by Writers’ Bloc and the Spirit of Rasputin’s Arts Society. This is the first concert event we are producing at Le Michel-Ange. If you haven’t been there before, it’s a little tricky to find at 35 Laurel St (north of Gladstone, west of Breezehill) so
There’s a lot of more info on the Writers’ Bloc website (http://writersbloc NULL.ca/) including the song topics and how to signup. If you are not a songwriter, this is still a terrific evening of entertainment…and the coffee and hot chocolate are amazing.
Where: Le Michel-Ange Coffee Roasting Cafe, 35 Laurel St
When: 3pm Saturday the 10th
Who: Gilles Daigle, copyright expert and Partner with the law firm Gowlings
Free for SoR members. $5 for non-members.
Copyright, licencing, SOCAN, CRIA, YouTube, performance royalties, recording royalties, neighbouring rights, right of first performance… What does all this mean for you as a songwriter in the digital age? This workshop aims to equip songwriters with greater understanding about the shifting sands under our feet.
Where: Le Michel-Ange Coffee Roasting Cafe, 35 Laurel St
When: 2-5pm Sunday the 18th
Who: SoR Members. Memberships will be sold at the meeting.
We are growing. We now have 92 members. A few days from now all members will receive copies of proposed resolutions and the slate of candidates running for the board of directors (three positions are available). If you are a member, we need your voice to help chart the future of this vibrant folk community. If you are not a member yet, come to the AGM and join.
Where: Le Michel-Ange Coffee Roasting Cafe, 35 Laurel St
When: 5pm Sunday March 18th
Who: Hosted by Garry Greenland
Free. Just bring your axe of choice. This is a welcoming format to learn and perfect bluegrass styles and licks. For this date only, the Jam starts at 5pm and follows the Spirit of Rasputins Annual General Meeting.
Where: The Westboro Masonic Hall, 430 Churchill at Byron
When: 8pm Saturday the 24th
Who: Sarah Drader & Friends, Three Little Birds, Tower of Song, SPECIAL GUEST: Maria Hawkins
This is a pass-the-hat charity event in support of Maria Hawkins “Stop the Bullying Program”. Thanks to PSAC National Capital Region for sponsoring this event. More information about this event will be sent out in the next newsletter.
Whether you are a “closet performer” or experienced picker, these may be just right for you. The Open Stage upstairs at Whispers is usually well attended and quite entertaining. However several of our regular participants are also checking out several other open mics that have recently sprouted up around the area. As the saying goes, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. If you have been thinking about starting to perform in front of an audience, this is the perfect time and place for you. The Rasputins Open Stage is the oldest continuously running open stage in Ottawa and remains the most welcoming and supportive in the area of both novice and experienced performers. More info…
And if you just want to play along to with other musicians, try the Folk-along Jam at The GeorgeTown Pub. More info…
Sorry for the length of this missive. I’ll try to be more succinct in future.
Cheers,
Hollis Morgan
President, Spirit of Rasputins Arts Society
In this newsletter
- Jan 21st Anders Drerup
- Other Upcoming Events
- The value of membership
Who: Anders Drerup with Kelly Prescott and Adam Puddington
When: 8:00pm January 21, 2012
Where: Westboro Masonic Hall, 430 Churchill at Byron
In Canada’s blossoming music scene, Anders Drerup has jumped quickly from the streets of his home town to the far reaches of Canada and beyond. The twenty-something singer/songwriter carries an impressive resume in formats ranging from reggae to classic country. He has logged tours of Europe, Australia, Cuba and Canada and has recorded in premier studios around the world. In addition to his first instrument, guitar, Anders also plays mandolin, steel guitar, banjo, harmonica, piano, bass and dobro. He got his start playing in clubs in Ottawa, but soon started to catch the interest of musicians far his superior.
On our stage, he is joined by long-time collaborators Kelly Prescott and Adam Puddington. If you saw Anders and Kelly in the roles of Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris in the production Grievous Angel: The Legend of Gram Parsons, then you probably already have your tickets! They are joined by Kelly’s husband and talented songwriter Adam Puddington. Adam’s craft is wholly original, and warmly familiar. While close listening offers traces of Gordon Lightfoot, Neil Young, Ian Tyson and Blue Rodeo, Adam’s music arises from the hard-won and carefully tended ground he stands on, ultimately and unmistakably his own.
Tickets: $20 online here (https://www NULL.paypal NULL.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=BB8YRTTE35LVE), at the Ottawa Folklore Centre, or at the door the night of the concert.
Feb 4: Lynne Hanson: Westboro Masonic Hall, 430 Churchill (tickets here) (https://www NULL.paypal NULL.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=S32P729YJJJ8S)
Feb 5: The Next Stage featuring Spencer Scharf, Dynamite Hotel, and Dave Morrow 7:00pm upstairs at Whispers Pub, 249 Richmond Road (pass-the-hat)
Membership provides Spirit of Rasputin’s with two essential strengths: a strong community connection, and a durable financial foundation. Our community of members provide direction, volunteers, and encouragement to pursue our mandate, which is to develop folk music and local performers in exciting and responsive ways. The modest dues that members pay each year create the cushion we need to offer 90% of our events as free or pass-the-hat events and to take modest risks with larger productions and new directions.
If you are not already a member, please consider joining us and add to our strength. I admit that joining The Spirit of Rasputin’s Arts Society is essentially an altruistic act. Our list of “member benefits” is short. The most important tangible benefit is the right for your opinion to be heard and to count at members’ meetings, notably at the Annual General Meeting coming up on March 18. Members may also promote personal events through the Spirit of Rasputin’s website and newsletters. Members know that every twenty dollars added to the kitty helps us build stage infrastructure, pay an advance deposit to a concert artist, cover an expense at one of our venues (to maintain goodwill with our landlords), or pay for the insurance that permits us to operate in a variety of commercial venues. But the most important part of membership is being part of a folk community that pursues its agenda at a grassroots level in a socially responsible manner.
We continue to grow at a manageable pace in both number of members and number of events. We have grown from 37 members one year ago to almost 80 members today. I hope we can reach 100 members by the time the March AGM rolls around. During the past year we added The Next Stage and additional Rasputin’s Beards and turned all the Beards into strong charity fundraisers. This spring we are adding Cabaret Concerts at a new location (Le Michel-Ange at 35 Laurel) and planning is under way to resurrect the bluegrass and celtic events that were fomerly part of Rasputin’s Cafe. If all plans succeed, by the end of 2012 Spirit of Rasputin’s will be presenting close to 150 events each year. 120 of which will be participation the events Rasputin’s Open Stage, The Folk-Along Jam, The Bluegrass Jam, and the Celtic Jam.
New applicants can fill out the application form online (and even pay your dues online (https://www NULL.paypal NULL.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=MAHZ44FGW4P4S)). If you prefer, you can pay your dues at the Rasputin’s Open Stage or at any of our concerts.
If you are already a member you simply need to pay your 2012 Membership dues online here (https://www NULL.paypal NULL.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=MAHZ44FGW4P4S), at the Open stage or at a concert.
Thanks for indulging me. I hope you are all having a fun, wintry January. It’s time to shovel some of that glow off my driveway. See you soon.
Hollis Morgan
President, Spirit of Rasputin’s Arts Society
What: The December version of Rasputin’s Beard, a fast-paced four band showcase.
When: 8-10pm Saturday, December 17
Where: Westboro Masonic Hall, 430 Churchill at Byron
Who: Ottawa Valley Special, The Elementals, Amanda Bon Band, and Gerry Griffin Band.
NO COVER!! Pass-the-hat/pay-what-you-can.
All net proceeds will go to The Snowsuit Fund. The Fund gratefully accepts donations of cash and knitted articles as well as gently used winter outerwear, hats, mitts and boots of all sizes. They endeavour to provide every eligible child with a brand new snowsuit. However, many of their clientele have older children in need of winter clothing, or the parents themselves are in need of a warm coat. Good quality used items can help bridge that gap.
For the Kids
This organization has one reason for being, and that is to see to it that the children of less fortunate families in our region have one very basic necessity: warmth during our bitter winters.
They are a local charity
Contributions go directly back into our community, to children who are the classmates and playmates of our children.
They are a responsible charity
Only the children of families truly in need receive a new snowsuit. The Fund has a rigorous referral and application process to qualify those we help. A $10 administration fee is applied to help defray costs. Your cash donations are used to purchase and distribute new, quality snowsuits from Canadian manufacturers. A donation of $40.00 is all it takes to dress a child warmly. Your donations of gently-used winter clothing are available to children and their families who do not qualify for a new snowsuit. No child in need will be turned away.
Their support is broadly-based
Over the years, the Fund has continued to expand its reach into the community, and today is supported by groups that range from the corporate sector to school children, from the media to members of local councils, from service clubs to community centres. But in all of that, it is still the individual citizen who comes forward with used suits or cash donations or who supports one of the many fundraising events and activities we undertake each year, that we count on most.
The need is real and present
Every year, they receive about 15,000 snowsuit requests for children up to the age of 15 – that’s a lot of cold kids. And it takes plenty of donations of good used suits and money to keep them warm.
Ottawa Valley Special serve up a potpourri of fine Americana. The band includes Tracy Clark, lead vocals and guitar; Jamie Anderson, vocals, guitar and mandolin; Ellen Daly, fiddle; and Jim Brossert, standup bass. Link to Ottawa Valley Special on MySpace (http://www NULL.myspace NULL.com/ottawavalleyspecial)
The Elementals, fronted by lead singer Julie Element on acoustic guitar, present a tragic blend of Brit/alt/urban-folk. The other five members of the band (who all sing backup vocals) are Peter Pelletier, harmonica and conga; Edith Falkenburg, ukelele; Judy Jibb accordion; Dave Skully acoustic guitar and mandolin; and Patrick Shank, bass guitar.
Amanda Bon Band, country/folk/bluegrass, will be playing songs from Amanda’s new CD Juniper Weekends. Joining Amanda are Danny Artuso, acoustic guitar; Gilles Leclerc, mandolin; and Ken Kanwisher, upright bass. www.amandabon.com
Gerry Griffin Band plays an eclectic meld of folk, country, blues, rock, celtic, and elements of North African music. Lead singer Gerry Griffin plays acoustic guitar and Turkish saz with partner Heather Houston adding harmonies, Appalachian dulcimer and thumbpiano. Rounding out the band are Bruce Wittet on drums and Andy Roberts on upright bass. www.gerrygriffinmusic.com
See you there,
Hollis Morgan
President, Spirit of Rasputin’s Arts Society
In this newsletter:
December is coming. With shorter days compressing time, we scurry to meet the escalated demands of family, work and faith. Ancient festivals of light challenge the dark. We immerse ourselves in love and laughter, music and meditation. But December is more than just busy. December is a month of extremes where the differences between those who have comfort and those who seek comfort stand in stark relief. For many it is a month of stress, anxiety, and inescapable poverty. December challenges us to think more of others than usual; to give comfort to the stranger we might otherwise pass by. December is coming. Time to turn on the en-light-enment.
This December, we have two concert events for you: another in our new series “The Next Stage“; and our first “Santa’s Beard” charity event.
What: Spirit of Rasputin’s Next Stage
Where: Upstairs at Whispers Pub, 249 Richmond Road
When: Sunday, December 4, 7pm
Who: Margaret Currie-Feuerstack, Chris Angel, Jeremy Owen
The Next Stage supports our mandate to encourage and promote emerging local artists. This event is a Pay What You Can, Pass-the-hat event with no cover charge. Three artists each perform a full set. Everyone is welcome but space is limited so early arrival is recommended. Suggestion: arrive by 6:30 and order dinner. The food is great!
Margaret Currie-Feuerstack says, “I’ve been playing/writing off and on for many many years. Enjoy writing songs, but also perform old ‘swing’ standards with a jazz quartet (will not be doing those Sunday!) Not really much into promo at this stage – just happy to perform some original songs.”
Jeremy Owen says, “I am the Last of the Cowboy-Warrior-Poets, exiled from the
Western Kingdoms and now living just outside the wonder and spectacle and
cash-for-life of Fair Ottawa. I ‘invented’ the genre Gutter Folk to cover
the vast inadequacies in my musical ability, as well as to differentiate
myself from those masters of the craft with whom I holds little in
common.” Jeremy’s style is abrasive, passionate, violent and beautiful. Link to Jeremy on MySpace (http://www NULL.myspace NULL.com/gutterfolk/)
Chris Angel began performing at bars and pubs while completing his degree
in performance music at the University of Windsor. Chris started
out playing open mic nights and soon became a regular fixture at a dozen
Windsor and Detroit bars focussing on a fast-paced mix of rock and modern Celtic favourites and traditional songs arranged in a less-than-traditional manner along with a few originals.Chris has two CDs: Celtic Stepson, his first, and the 2011 release Better Late Than Never. www.chrisangelmusic.com (http://chrisangelmusic NULL.com/)
What: The December version of Rasputin’s Beard, a fast-paced four band showcase.
When: 8-10pm Saturday, December 17
Where: Westboro Masonic Hall, 430 Churchill at Byron
Who: Ottawa Valley Special, The Elementals, Amanda Bon Band, and Gerry Griffin Band.
NO COVER!! Pass-the-hat/pay-what-you-can. All net proceeds to go to charity.
Ottawa Valley Special serve up a potpourri of fine Americana. The band includes Tracy Clark, lead vocals and guitar; Jamie Anderson, vocals, guitar and mandolin; Ellen Daly, fiddle; and Jim Brossert, standup bass. Link to Ottawa Valley Special on MySpace (http://www NULL.myspace NULL.com/ottawavalleyspecial)
The Elementals, fronted by lead singer Julie Element on acoustic guitar, present a tragic blend of Brit/alt/urban-folk. The other five members of the band (who all sing backup vocals) are Peter Pelletier, harmonica and conga; Edith Falkenburg, ukelele; Judy Jibb accordion; Dave Skully acoustic guitar and mandolin; and Patrick Shank, bass guitar.
Amanda Bon Band, country/folk/bluegrass, will be playing songs from Amanda’s new CD Juniper Weekends. Joining Amanda are Danny Artuso, acoustic guitar; Gilles Leclerc, mandolin; and Ken Kanwisher, upright bass. www.amandabon.com (http://www NULL.amandabon NULL.com)
Gerry Griffin Band plays an eclectic meld of folk, country, blues, rock, celtic, and elements of North African music. Lead singer Gerry Griffin plays acoustic guitar and Turkish saz with partner Heather Houston adding harmonies, Appalachian dulcimer and thumbpiano. Rounding out the band are Bruce Wittet on drums and Andy Roberts on upright bass. www.gerrygriffinmusic.com (http://www NULL.gerrygriffinmusic NULL.com)
Have you noticed the Members’s Events listed on the Rasputin’s website? Not surprisingly, a large percentage of our members are musicians who produce their own entertaining and worthwhile events and are in demand for for other events, many of them charitable in nature. We decided a few weeks ago to assist these events through the Spirit of Rasputin’s website and the occasional newsletter. Over the next few weeks there are several events involving our members you should know about. Members’ names below are in bold.
What: CD Release Benefit Concert
Who: Mark Evenchick
When: 8pm Saturday November 12
Where: Westboro Masonic Hall, 430 Churchill at Byron
No cover charge. 100% of the proceeds from CD sales will go to the Ottawa Food Bank. Mark will be accompanied by Kate & Hollis Morgan. Greg Kelly will peform an opening set. Mark is a Spirit board member, our treasurer, and one of the host/organizers of the Monday night Open Stage. Advance sales of his CD Incident at the Hangdog Saloon have already raised hundreds of dollars for the food bank.
***
What: Writers’ Bloc
Who: Hosted by Greg Kelly
When: 2pm-4pm Sunday November 13
Where: The Ottawa Folklore Centre, 1111 Bank Street
Write a song on topic and receive a gentle but sincere critique from your fellow composers. This month’s topics are “Dreams”, “Behind Those Eyes”, “Shortlist”, and “Winter”.
***
What: Ottawa Folklore Centre 35th Anniversary Concert and Fundraiser for the Hospice at Maycourt
Who: Terry Gillespie, Ana Miura, Sheesham and Lotus, Jesse Greene and harp sensation Marc Seguin, Folk legend Doug McArthur, Alicia Borisonik, Don Gibbons, Missy Burgess, the Bytown Ukulele Group (BUG), local clawhammer banjo legends Mary Gick – Paul Horn
When: 7pm-10pm Sunday November 13
Where: The Mayfair Theatre, 1074 Bank St
***
What: Healing Garden Music Fest
Who: Lynn Miles, Missy Burgess, Amanda Rheaume and Ana Miura. With special guests Michael Burgess and Keith Glass.
When: 2pm-5pm Sunday November 27
Where: The Bronson Centre, 211 Bronson Ave
Cheers,
Hollis Morgan
President, Spirit of Rasputin’s Arts Society
What: Spirit of Rasputin’s Next Stage
Where: Upstairs at Whispers Pub, 249 Richmond Road
When: Sunday, November 6, 7pm
Who: Imran, Amanda Bon, Kristine St. Pierre
The Next Stage supports our mandate to encourage and promote emerging local artists. This event is a Pay What You Can, Pass-the-hat event with no cover charge. Three artists each perform a full set. Everyone is welcome but space is limited so early arrival is recommended. Suggestion: arrive by 6:30 and order dinner. The food is great!
Imran has been playing the open mic scene in Ottawa for the past 5 years. He got his start at Rasputin’s Folk Café and since then has played at a number of other venues around town. His songs range from folk to funk, with the odd dog song thrown in there for good measure.
Amanda Bon recently released an impressive first CD Juniper Weekends produced by Danny Artuso who will be accompanying her this Sunday. Find out more about Amanda at her website (http://amandabon NULL.com) where you can listen to clips from the CD and purchase it online. Even better, come to the show and purchase an autographed copy from her! She started her formal music studies at the piano and later moved on to the guitar.
Kristine St. Pierre sings and writes in both English and French, but it is the simplicity with which she illustrates and shares her emotions combined with her familiar voice that makes her an artist to discover. On her website (http://www NULL.kristinestpierre NULL.com) you can discover more about her and listen to a few of her songs.
What: Spirit of Rasputin’s Concert Series
Where: Westboro Masonic Hall, 430 Churchill at Byron
When: Saturday November 19, 8pm
Who: Missy Burgess with Keith Glass
Tickets are selling briskly for this much anticipated show. Missy’s third CD takes her in a slightly new sonic direction with producer Keith Glass (of Prairie Oyster fame) adding two of his own compositions and a co-write to Missy’s collection of originals and comfortable standards. The CD is a polished perfomance from a seasoned pro. Tickets are available from The Folklore Centre, Collected Works Bookstore, online at The Spirit of Rasputin’s E-Store.
In this newsletter:
– Thank you Dean! October 22 “Hats ‘n Spats Gala”
– Giving Thanks For My Village
– Change to March events
What: “Hats ‘n Spats Gala”
When: 8-10pm, Saturday, October 22
Where: Westboro Masonic Hall, 430 Churchill at Byron
Who: Sheesham & Lotus
In all cultural endeavours there are inevitably a few standout contributors. The folk music community in Ottawa over the past 35 years is no exception. We have our stars. I’m not referring to performers who have risen from the open stage to the main stage, although we have many of those. I am referring to the enablers, the entrepreneurs…those who build the structures, the organizations, the ethics, the business models upon which folk artists stand.
There are many patrons of folk music who understand that this is not a commercially rich vein but one that must be nurtured in order to flower. Without a folk oriented music store and school there are fewer resources for learning and sharing. So thank you Arthur McGregor for the Ottawa Folklore Centre. Without a folk festival there are fewer opportunities to celebrate our finest achievements. Thank you Chris for launching the Ottawa Folkfest. Without a folk club there is no sympathetic venue for new folk performers to hone their craft. Thank you Dean Verger for Rasputin’s Folk Cafe and for being a mentor to us all. On October 22 we will honour Dean for creating the legacy that began as a modest cafe with a clear set of values, to a community organization working to carry those values forward.
Hats'n Spats with Sheesham & Lotus
On October 22, Dean Verger will be inducted by Spirit of Rasputin’s as its first honourary Lifetime Member. The celebration will be interspersed with short anecdotes, or “tales told out of school” from many Cafe alumni…all told with great respect of course! Sheesham & Lotus are driving up from Kingston to provide the musical entertainment. Both musicians are veterans of the contra dance band circuit and offer a highly entertaining brand of old-time fiddle and banjo music. They are as much fun to watch as to listen to.
So what’s with hats and spats? It’s just too close to Halloween to pass up. The old-time music brought this to mind. So if you have a great old hat or some especially fancy or odd footware, why not join in a little fun? If you don’t have such accoutrements, that’s fine too. Just come to show your respect -:) The press release I sent out about this event called “Folk Music Still Hot Three Years After Fire” is on the website in a slightly altered form.
Tickets are available at The Ottawa Folklore Centre 1111 Bank St., Collected Works Bookstore 1242 Wellington West, and online securely here. (https://www NULL.paypal NULL.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=FKGN2XEHGLE3L)
Villages are personal by nature. For humans, the village is our most natural cluster, an organic outgrowth of the extended family. Villagers rely on one another, support each other as friends, neighbours, and relatives. Humanity has lived in villages for tens of thousands of years. We are well adapted to it’s size and form. Villagers can identify each other, usually by name, or at least by occupation, or by dwelling. Villagers know each other either intimately or casually. Villages provide a carefully evolved level of comfort, security. guidance and structure.
Cities are anonymous. Neighbours often don’t know a great deal about each other. Support systems are institutional. Cities are a newer phenomenon and we are less adapted to them. The scale of the city provides more amenities, increased variety, and greater opportunity. But at a cost. The city no longer fits neatly within our capacity to comprehend our social network. So how do we cope?
We who thrive in cities find our own villages within the metropolis: a place of worship, a workplace, a neighbourhood pub. Each provides a milieu to recreate the village. A walled garden where we trust each other. Where we can ask a favour, celebrate a triumph, share a grief, or offer a helping hand. And if we cannot find a suitable village, we create one, drawing together those of like persuasion in a common purpose.
On this day, I want to thank The Spirit of Rasputin’s Arts Society members, volunteers and supporters…my village in the city…for providing the friendship, creativity, inspiration, solidarity and vision we have enjoyed together for the past few years. As Rick Hayes penned so well, “Songs and companions mean a lot to me.”
Sadly, The Creaking Tree String Quartet has just disbanded and our planned concert with them on March 10th is cancelled. This cloud, however, has Song-along as its silver lining. On March 9th and 10th, Spirit of Rasputin’s will host the 20th Anniversary Great Canadian Song-along at the Westboro Masonic Hall. Host Tony Turner is organizing the topics and plans the usual open-style “register in advance and play your song” for Friday March 9th. Saturday March 10th will be a celebration concert with participants selected by Tony from those who have had the greatest impact over the event’s 20 year span. Did you know Chris White has performed at every Song-along since its inception? Tony will release more details over the next few months.
Due to popular demand, Carol Noel has also scheduled an extra Rasputin’s Beard for March 24th. Three per year just wasn’t enough. “Winter, spring, summer and fall. All you gotta do is call.” Call Carol that is, at 613-729-7973 or email her at carolnoel1@sympatico.ca if you have a band that wants a spot in The Beard.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Hollis Morgan
President, Spirit of Rasputin’s Arts Society
What: The Next Stage
Where: Upstairs at Whispers Pub, 249 Richmond Road
When: Sunday, October 2, 7pm
Who: Dan Arnott – Shannon Eddy – Rick Hayes
Spirit of Rasputin’s has a treat for you: Three local and truly excellent singer songwriters in a very intimate setting. Dan Arnott, Shannon Eddy and Rick Hayes inaugurate the very first Spirit of Rasputin’s Next Stage this Sunday evening. Each peformer will present a full set of entertainment. By intimate, I mean the room holds about 50 people, but don’t let that discourage you. Just arrive a little early, grab your spot and maybe sample Whisper’s excellent cuisine before the show. This is going to be a very fine evening.
Dan Arnott, on guitar, mondolin and banjo, will have you singing along to a mix of original and traditional folk songs. Shannon Eddy, a captivating performer on both guitar and piano, always delivers a strong, deeply moving performance. And Rick Hayes, who found a second home at Rasputin’s when he “emigrated” from his fabled Newfoundland, has as much to say about his songs as his songs say about him.
There is no cover charge. This is a pass-the-hat event. Come and have a great time.
Cheers,
Hollis Morgan
President, Spirit of Rasputins
In this newsletter:
What: Rasputin’s Beard
When: 8-10pm Saturday, September 17
Where: Westboro Masonic Hall, 430 Churchill at Byron
Who: Fumblin’ Fingers, Steel Moon, Pouch Cotätoes, and Lost Colt.
NO COVER!! Pass-the-hat/pay-what-you-can to defray expenses.
While the weekly Open Stage (Mondays at Whispers) and the Folk-along Jam (Tuesdays at the Georgetown) continued unabated all summer, the monthly Spirit of Rasputin’s concerts took a break for July and August. The 2011/2012 Spirit Concert Series launches this Saturday at 8pm at the Westboro Masonic Hall with our traditional season opener, Rasputin’s Beard. The four ensembles Beard host and organizer Carol Noel has lined up is the most diverse offering so far. Starting off with the eight members of the Celtic group Fumblin’ Fingers; followed by the folk-pop duo Steel Moon; then the a cappella quintet Pouch Cotätoes; and finally the alt/country sounds of quartet Lost Colt.
There is more info about Rasputin’s Beard and the bands on the Spirit website.
http://rasputins.ca/news/2011/08/rasputin%E2%80%99s-beard-september-17/
What: The very first SoR Next Stage
When: 7-10pm Sunday, October 2nd
Where: Whisper’s Pub, 249 Richmond Rd., upstairs room
Who: Dan Arnott, Rick Hayes (http://www.myspace.com/rickhayes), Shannon Eddy Smith (http://www.myspace.com/shannoneddysmith)
NO COVER!! Pass-the-hat/pay-what-you-can. All proceeds go to the performers.
Based on a concept developed by Dean Verger for the Café, the Next Stage is an evening showcase of three hand-picked acts at our cosy Whispers Location. Each performer will have a 40-minute set in which they will surely dazzle us with their musical prowess. Host Wen-Jeng Chen, a.k.a. Blue Blue Satellite, promises the performers “will surely dazzle us with their musical prowess.” I agree. The Next Stage honours Spirit of Rasputin’s commitment to the development of local artists. More info here:
http://rasputins.ca/news/2011/09/the-next-stage/
Once again I hosted the Jam Sessions at the Ottawa Folk Festival, this time at the new Hog’s Back location. So I was at the Festival pretty much from start to finish. This festival has taken a new direction so I have taken a few weeks to absorb it and to integrate my thoughts before pronouncing my verdict on this edition. So here is my very personal assessment.
With its new management structure and leadership style, this year’s Festival had quite a different feel. But, in my view, it remained solidly “folkie” during the daytime events. There was a lot of great daytime participation: the jams, the Kids Zone, the workshops, the dance tent. And most of the evening programming on the two smaller stages fit my definition of great folk/roots entertainment.
All-in-all the Festival appeared to be a commercial success with robust attendance. That was an important achievement this year since we all know it has teetered on a fiscal knife edge recently. The main stage was a big factor in drawing a newer, younger audience to a Folk Festival. So it’s clear much of the credit for balancing the books goes to the main stage programming. We all know the Blues Fest main stage isn’t always bluesy; and the Jazz Fest main stage isn’t always jazzy; so I wasn’t surprised that the Folk Fest main stage wasn’t always folky. But that’s what seems to work to sell the required number of tickts.
So all that is fine, but this rose had some thorns.
My main irritation was the aggressive, boomy leakage from the main stage into the other two stages. For a lot of people, and for a lot of the performers, the boominess from the main stage spoiled any effort at maintaining a semblance of folkiness at the Dance Tent or Ravenhill stages. Die-hard folkies like me listen for the well plucked string and the well crafted turn of phrase that touches the heart. This is an approach to entertainment that requires a quiet, attentive audience…exactly what the Spirit of Rasputin’s is all about. The audience did their part, and the performers did their best, but the arrangement of stages and the timing of the programming worked against us. I’m sure the Folk Fest boad has heard all about this from the audience and volunteer surveys. It was a programming style that may work for the Blues Fest, but not for the Folk Fest. I hope they fix it.
Here’s hoping they get the message. I would love to hear your impressions. Just reply to this newsletter. And if you were there, go to the Folk Fest website and fill in their survey here: http://ottawafolk.com/?page_id=366 (http://ottawafolk NULL.com/?page_id=366)
Cheers,
Hollis Morgan
President
Spirit of Rasputin’s Arts Society
In this newsletter:
Spirit will not have a table at the Ottawa Folk Festival (http://www NULL.ottawafolk NULL.org/) this year, but we are officially particpating in two other ways:
There is an instrument lockup available to everyone. So bring along a guitar, banjo, or fiddle and let’s jam!
Rick and I will each have a stack of clourful bookmarks to hand out that contain our entire 2011/2012 season schedule. We will also have clipboards with signup sheets so interested folk can subscribe to this newsletter. This is more of a “mobile guerilla” ad campaign compared to past years where we just sat at a table and waited to ambush passers-by. If you want to put on your Rasputin’s t-shirt and get your own clipboard sign-up sheet, just reply to this email and we’ll arrange to meet at the Festival.
We launch our new concert season with the no-cover, pass-the-hat, frolicking Rasputin’s Beard featuring “Fumblin’ Fingers”, “Steel Moon”, “Pouch Cotatoes”, and “Lost Colt”. August saw a lot of renovations completed at the Westboro Masonic Hall. There’s a door on the kitchen, a new double entrance to the main hall, and major renovations to the washrooms and cloakroom area.
In the olden days, before the great fire, and before the wise and thoughtful master of Rasputin’s retired to academia, he would pluck promising new performers from the Open Stage and offer them a chance…often a first chance…to perform an entire set in a concert setting. Dean called this “The Next Stage”. On October 2nd Spirit of Rasputin’s is re-launching the concept. Host Wen-Jeng Chen will select three performers from the extensive and talented roster of regular Open Stage artists. He will announce his opening selection in the very near future. This event will be upstairs at Whispers Pub on the first Sunday of every month at 7pm (except July, August and holiday weekends).
That’s it for now. Hope to see you at the Festival.
Hollis Morgan
President, Spirit of Rasputin’s Arts Society
p.s. Don’t forget to check out the Spirit of Rasputin’s concert schedule recently posted on the website.
Our Artistic Director, Kate Morgan, has arranged a diverse concert series focussing on rising local and regional talent as well as two nationally acclaimed groups. Most concerts will again be presented at the Westboro Masonic Hall with three exceptions. Two shows, both big acts, will be at the First Unitarian Congregation at 30 Cleary Ave because we expect to need the extra space. One show, Gil’s Hootenanny, will be at the NAC Fourth Stage on May 1st (May Day). All concerts are on Saturday evenings and start at 8 pm except the May Day hootenanny, which is on a Tuesday this year and will start at 7:30.
We also plan a holiday season “twist” on the Rasputin’s Beard concept we are calling Santa’s Beard planned for December 17. This will be a fund raising event for an as yet unnamed charity.
For your convenience, there is a “buy now” link beside most of the events with a cover charge that will take you straight to our PayPal account. Also, all the concerts with cover charges are on the Spirit of Rasputin’s e-Store webpage.
Drum roll please….here’s the lineup:
September 17, 2011 (no cover, pass-the-hat)
Rasputin’s Beard (our traditional season opener)
Featuring: “Fumblin’ Fingers (http://www NULL.fumblinfingers NULL.ca)“, “Steel Moon (http://www NULL.steelmoonsound NULL.com/)“, “Pouch Cotatoes”, and “Lost Colt (http://www NULL.myspace NULL.com/lostcolt)“
October 22, 2011 $20 Buy Now (https://www NULL.paypal NULL.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=FKGN2XEHGLE3L)
“Hats ‘n Spats” Gala with Sheesham and Lotus
A Tribute to Dean Verger with surprise guests and music by Sheesham & Lotus (http://www NULL.sheeshamandlotus NULL.com/ )
Here’s a Youtube of Sheesham and Lotus (http://www NULL.youtube NULL.com/watch?v=ABtpGZHhgO0&feature=youtu NULL.be)
November 19, 2011 $20 Buy Now (https://www NULL.paypal NULL.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=CDJ4F4UGKLETY)
Missy Burgess (http://www NULL.missyburgess NULL.com/) and Keith Glass
Our very own “Missy” has a new CD. This is the official “CD Release Concert”
December 17, 2011 (no cover, pass-the-hat)
Santa’s Beard
Featured performers will be announced in the fall
January 21, 2012 $20 Buy Now (https://www NULL.paypal NULL.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=BB8YRTTE35LVE)
Anders Drerup (http://www NULL.myspace NULL.com/andersdrerup) with special guests Kelly Prescott (http://www NULL.myspace NULL.com/theprescottsound) and Adam Puddington (http://www NULL.adampuddington NULL.com/)
February 4, 2012 $20 Buy Now (https://www NULL.paypal NULL.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=S32P729YJJJ8S)
Lynn Hanson (http://www NULL.lynnehanson NULL.com/ )
Winner 2010 Colleen Peterson Songwriting Award
March 10, 2012 $25 Buy Now (https://www NULL.paypal NULL.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=DREQ5UGJ9FQLL)
The Creeking Tree String Quartet (http://www NULL.myspace NULL.com/creakingtree)
Twice Juno Award Nominated
Location: First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa, 30 Cleary Ave, Ottawa
April 21, 2012 $20 Buy Now (https://www NULL.paypal NULL.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=2FGE8PFBNKWCJ)
John Bowman (http://johnbowman NULL.ca/) and Amanda Rheaume (http://www NULL.amandarheaume NULL.com)
A shared evening with two excellent local acts.(Youtube Amanda (http://youtu NULL.be/_wGFZNVm-KA)) (Youtube John (http://youtu NULL.be/0JQDroxrhuE))
Tuesday, May 1, 2012, 7:30pm MAY DAY $10
Gil’s Hootenanny sponsored by CUPE
Location: This year’s celebration of songs of protest and songs of hope is at the NAC Fourth Stage
May 12, 2012 $25
The Sultans of String (http://www NULL.maplemusic NULL.com/artists/sos/default NULL.asp)
2010 JUNO Award Nominees for Instrumental Album of the Year! 2009 Canadian Folk Music Award triple nominee winning Instrumental Group of the Year.
Location: First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa, 30 Cleary Ave, Ottawa
May 26, 2012 (no cover, pass-the-hat)
Chrysalis hosted by Missy Burgess
Ottawans singing other Ottawans’ songs
June 16, 2012 (no cover, pass-the-hat)
Rasputin’s Beard our traditional season closer.
Bands to be determined.
Sheesham and Lotus
are based in Kingston, Ontario, Crow and Wight play fiddle and banjo respectively, with an additional array of home-made curiosities of noise-makery. Sheesham is a maker of gourd banjos and fiddles, and Lotus plays an invention called the contra-bass harmoniphoneum, which is a self-contained bass-harmonica and euphonium horn which can be used while plucking a banjo. Indeed it is a well documented fact that Sheesham and Lotus use horns for singing, harmonicas, jaw-harps and more. The music of Sheesham and Lotus could be described as American roots music. They love to play fiddle tunes, hokum blues songs and ragtime string music.
Anders Drerup,
the 26 year old singer/songwriter from Carp, Ontario, carries an impressive resume in formats ranging from reggae to classic country. He has logged tours of Europe, Australia, Cuba and Canada and has recorded in premier studios around the world. In addition to his first instrument, guitar, Anders also plays mandolin, steel guitar, banjo, harmonica, piano, bass and dobro. Kelly Prescott and Adam Puddington have graced our stage before. They have worked on numerous projects with Anders including the “Grievous Angel” theatrical concert based on the music and short life of Gram Parsons in which Kelly plays the role of Emmylou Harris.
Lynn Hanson’s
early love of jazz was later replaced by bluegrass and traditional country , while teenage years included singing and playing Neil Young songs at home. If pressed, Lynne will describe her sound as “porch music with a little Texas red dirt. I write these songs on acoustic guitar in my kitchen. I want them to sound like the original concept, except with a band. I call it porch music, as it’s like everyone in the neighbourhood comes over and brings their instruments. Lynn has a growing repretoire of three fabulous CD’s. Things I Miss, Eleven Months and her newest endeavour, Once The Sun Goes Down. “Lynne’s songs have a beautiful, haunting feeling, into which you can sink and be enveloped.” Ontario Arts Council jury
The Creeking Tree String Quartet
is atechnically dazzling outfit that uses fingerboards to leap stylistic boundaries and fuse intricate styles. The result is a smartly intellectual and yet deeply moving sound that’s a true Canadian original: jazz forms sliding over a rootsy bluegrass base, with flashes of chamber music, reverence and avant-garde experimentation. It’s the product of four adept and accomplished musicians, dedicated to performing unique and exciting material that raises the bar for instrumental acoustic music. The band’s third album “The Soundtrack” is produced by Grammy Award winning producer Bil VornDick. It was nominated for Instumental Album of the Year at the 2009 JUNO awards and won the Best Instrumental Group and the Pushing The Boundaries trophies at the 2007 Canadian Folk Music Awards.
John Bowman
will be featuring songs from his debut CD,Beach on the Ocean. In the late 70′s John began to perform as a solo singer/songwriter and wrote a large number of songs. Since moving to Ottawa from Vancouver he adopted the Rasputin’s Open Stage and other open mics around town as his sounding board. He is also a consistent contributor to Writer’s Bloc. John’s songs are thoughtful, poetic and inspired commentaries on parenthood, aging, loss and love.
Amanda Rheaume’s
musical journey has taken her to Lilith Fair, alongside Sarah McLachlan, the Dixie Chicks, Indigo Girls and Sheryl Crow. Her music has spanned the musical landscape of rock, pop, folk, and roots. She has returned to her roots and what makes all this extraordinary is that “Light of Another Day” is Amanda Rheaume’s first full length album.
Sultans of String,
“Canada’s ambassadors of musical diversity,” thrill their audiences with their global sonic tapestry of Spanish Flamenco, Arabic folk, Cuban rhythms, and French Manouche Gypsy-jazz, celebrating musical fusion and human creativity with warmth and virtuosity. Fiery violin dances with rumba-flamenco guitar while a funk bass lays down unstoppable grooves. Acoustic strings meet with electronic wizardry to create layers and depth of sound, while world rhythms excite audiences to their feet with the irresistible need to dance.
Cheers,
Hollis Morgan
President, Spirit of Rasputin’s Arts Society
The last event of the season is a four-band showcase on the final Saturday of June. If you haven’t attended a Rasputin’s Beard Showcase before, this is your chance! These shows are great for the whole family…a fast paced evening featuring a wide variety of musical styles…and the price is right!!
What: Rasputin’s Beard
When: Saturday, June 25, 2011, 8pm
Where: Westboro Masonic Hall, 430 Churchill at Byron
NO COVER!! This is a pass-the-hat-event.
This Beard features docweissband, Scary Bear Soundtrack, Call Me Katie, and Dave Andrews.
(…their website here) (http://docweissband NULL.com)
Acoustic, folky, funky and lyrical. docweissband incorporates influences from James Taylor and Bruce Cockburn to Hall & Oates and Funk Brothers Motown (acoustic/folk/rock). Ron Weiss, singer/songwriter is backed by Gleb Sturov on drum kit, and Mike Liepe, bass.
(…their myspace here) (http://www NULL.myspace NULL.com/559839690)
This Ottawa girl band acquired its current lineup when Gloria and Ainslie met while working for Ladyfest Ottawa teaching young girls to play music at Rock Camp for girls. By then Gloria, formerly of bands such as Hamilton Trading Co. (w/ members of the Diableros) and gatesgatesgates (w/ former members of Cuff the Duke and the Postage Stamps), was already performing under the name Scary Bear Soundtrack, playing shows as far as Vancouver, Portland, and Amsterdam. Keyboardist/vocalist Dannik (whose voice can also be heard in the Ottawa Regional Youth Choir) was added to the mix, making the loveliest trio of lady musicians since maybe the famous Trio of Ronstadt/Parton/Harris, although they sound nothing like that particular Trio.
Monty Reid will be gracing the stage with his band Call Me Katie. Best known as a poet, Monty Reid has been writing songs and playing in bands for decades. His repertoire includes bluegrass, western swing and blues, and hundreds of original songs. A versatile musician, he’s most often found with a guitar or mandolin, but has shown up with a banjo and a bouzouki as well. His sidekicks in Call Me Katie are Sarah Hill and Mike Rivoche. Hill, with her angelic voice and demonic fiddle, is a veteran of Celtic and bluegrass bands in Ottawa and on the east coast. Also a songwriter, she brings a more sophisticated touch to the band. Rivoche is a long-time Ottawa resident with a twangy past – he played guitar in several well-known rockabilly bands but holds down the doghouse bass in this configuration.
(…his website here) (http://www NULL.daveandrews NULL.ca/frame NULL.html)
Dave Andrews
“Andrews has a rich, pleasing voice that is occasionally reminiscent of Fred Neil, and writes sensitive, perceptive songs about love, life and the other usual culprits.” Patrick Langston, The Ottawa Citizen
Dave was raised in Ottawa. His first introduction to music was with his High School Band and a local jazz band. His first public performances were with Bluegrass Bands and Folk ensembles in the 1970s, appearing on Carleton University’s local radio CKCU “Canadian Spaces” and local cable television “No One Came”. His band “Elam Plectorial Society” played as the back up band to Canadian Step Dancing Champion – Cindy Thompson. He took 20 years off to raise a family and eat.
“Navigator” marks Dave’s first commercially available CD and his return to playing music in a more professional genre. One of his songs made the judges short list in the OFFC and CBC Galaxy “Songs from the heart” contest in 2004.
What: Chrysalis 2011, with host Missy Burgess
When: This Saturday, May 28 (doors open at 7:30pm, show starts 8pm)
Where: Westboro Masonic Hall, 430 Churchill at Byron.
Cover charge: NONE!
Performers’ contact Missy to signup: burgesm@algonquincollege.com (burgesm null@null algonquincollege NULL.com)
This is a pass-the-hat event sponsored by the members of Spirit of Rasputin’s Arts Society.
A chrysalis (Latin chrysallis, from Greek χρυσαλλίς = chrysallís, pl: chrysalides) or nympha is the pupal stage of butterflies. The term is derived from the metallic gold-colouration found in the pupae of many butterflies, referred to by the Greek term χρυσός (chrysós) for gold.
In true form, Missy has struck gold again this year with a line-up of 17 local musicians (at last count) who will each perform one or two songs by another local songwriter. This concept of singer-songwriters performing works not of their own pen is not only fun for the musicians, it is highly entertaining for the audience as well. You just don’t know who is going to sing what song written by whom.
In fact, the list of performers remains a mystery…those of you who signed up only know about yourselves. So just like a true golden chrysalis, there is suspense and mystery right up to the emergence and unfolding of the new wings these songs will spread.
Here’s a teaser: I’ll be there singing a song all of you know…you’ll get to sing along, but I bet it takes you a momment to recognize the song…and I bet many of you will not have known it was written by an Ottawan.
If you just want to have some fun, come join the audience this Saturday.
More info here:
The promo on the website.
The poster designed by Kate Morgan
Cheers,
Hollis Morgan
President, Spirit of Rasputin’s Arts Society
Spirit of Rasputin’s is pleased to announce the addition of Ball and Chain to the concert lineup for Saturday May 14th featuring The Echo Hunters from Montreal. Doors open at 7:30 pm for this event at the Westboro Masonic Hall, 430 Churchill at Byron.
Ball and Chain, a.k.a. Jody Benjamin and Michael Ball, understand the beauty of a simple style, where melody and groove can carry the music all the way to your soul. When Michael gets going on the Cajun tunes with Jody on the triangle, you can almost taste the jambalaya. They were instrumental in bringing the first outdoor dance floor to the Ottawa Folk Festival. They have held a series of Cajun dance workshops that have introduced two-stepping joy to a whole lot of Ottawans.
For this concert the Hall will be setup a little differently. In addition to the concert seating, a space for dancing will be set-off by a few cafe tables. A southern dirt floor jook joint we ain’t…but we’re gonna have a hoot anyway.
Check out the promo piece on the website. The Echo Hunters are a great band that don’t play Ottawa very often. This is a rare opportunity not to be missed. The new Rasputin’s Video Flash Mob will be setup to record one of their songs during the concert as well. This is a chance to get your applause and your hoots and hollers on YouTube!
Chrysalis is back on May 28th and Missy Burgess asked me to remind you that IT’S FREE. (Did that sound like Missy? -:) We will pass the hat to defer expenses, but this is a great opportunity to see some great performers singing the songs of other Ottawa songwriters. More information along with with how to signup to perform is over here on the website…
That’s it for now.
Cheers,
Hollis Morgan
President, Spirit of Rasputin’s Arts Society
Newsletter Subscribers: 408 Thank you for subscribing!
Spirit of Rasputin’s Members: 57 Thank you for joining!
Before our summer hiatus, Spirit of Rasputin’s has four more events planned at the Westboro Masonic Hall, 430 Churchill at Byron…a map is here. (http://maps NULL.google NULL.ca/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=430+Churchill+St,+Ottawa,+ON&sll=45 NULL.427958,-75 NULL.689353&sspn=0 NULL.006114,0 NULL.013937&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=430+Churchill+Ave+N,+Ottawa,+Ottawa+Division,+Ontario&t=h&ll=45 NULL.390792,-75 NULL.753174&spn=0 NULL.048944,0 NULL.111494&z=14) The hall has great acoustics and lots of parking.
The 2nd annual Songs of Protest, Songs of Hope (a.k.a. “Gil’s Hootenanny”) will be celebrated this Sunday, May 1st, at the Westboro Masonic Hall. As is now the tradition, everyone in attendance gets a souvenir songbook in exchange for their $10 admission. Most of the songs are old favourites we all love to sing, but some have a few twists on familiar themes. The entire evening will be recorded for CUPE’s and the Spirit of Rasputin’s archives. I can’t think of a better way to prepare my soul for election day! Doors open at 7. We lift our voices to the first song at 7:30. Cash bar, free inspiration.
Gil’s Hootenanny is presented in cooperation with the Canadian Union of Public Employees and the Levine Family. See you there! The old Hall is going to echo with over a hundred voices.
More info here…
I frequently describe The Echo Hunters as a cross between Neil Young and The Grateful Dead during their bluegrass phase. A few years ago they played at Rasputin’s Folk Cafe and we are all excited about their debut at Spirit of Rasputin’s. The setup for this event will be a little different…a few tables for a more cabaret feel and an area left open for dancing. You will want to dance so come prepared!! Tickets ($20) are available on-line at our e-Store, at Ottawa Folklore Centre and at Collected Works Bookstore.
More info (and audio clips) here…
On May 28th, Missy Burgess hosts this year’s Chrysalis where songs by Ottawa song writers receive new life in the hands of others. If you want to perform, simply learn a song written by someone from the Ottawa Valley (not yourself!!) and contact Missy. There is no cover charge for Chrysalis, but the Spirit “top hat” will be passed to defray expenses.
More info here…
We are capping off this amazing season with another Rasputin’s Beard on June 25th. The fast-paced Beard (no cover charge) showcases four bands in quick 30 minute sets. Hosted and organized by Carol Noel, this will be the sixth Beard since we launched the concept 13 months ago. Carol has three bands already lined up so there is still space for one more band to register. If you want to showcase your band, the guidelines and registration information are on the Rasputin’s Beard web page.
Cheers,
Hollis Morgan
President, Spirit of Rasputin’s Arts society
In this Newsletter…
Her Majesty the Queen, who we all know is a big folk music fan, has requested that Hollis Morgan, President of Spirit of Rasputin’s replace Prime Minister Stephen Harper at the wedding of her grandson Prince William to Kate Middleton on April 29th. On behalf of the Society, Mr. Morgan was pleased to accept the invitation since that still allowed him time to be back for the May Day Songs of Protest, Songs of Hope hootenanny.
“There are a lot of folk societies across Canada, but there’s nothing else like The Spirit of Rasputin’s Arts Society!” said Marie-Lynn near the end of her second set. That said a lot about the reception she received from the audience and the concert volunteers. Although not quite sold out, there was a healthy full house for Marie-Lynn. Read Greg McGillis’ review of the evening “Hammond makes stage a home again”.
Lynn Stevenson, our Communications Team Leader for the past two years, has kept our creative and diverse communications team working toward common goals. During her tenure as team leader, Spirit of Rasputin’s has become a well known and respected force for folk music in Ottawa. Whenever you hear a “Spirit buzz” around the office water cooler or in the lineup at Tim’s, think of Lynn.
Lynn is handing off the responsibility of team leader, but is staying on the team to write reviews and other feature articles. Thank you, Lynn, for all your work helping to put us on the folk music map.
Wow….Spirit of Rasputin’s is finishing off this season with a flurry of concerts. In addition to our regular Open Stage (7pm every Monday at Whispers), and our Folk-a-long Jam (7pm every Tuesday at the Georgetown), there are seven other spring events to tell you about.
April 8 – Ottawa Opry fundraiser for Amnesty International
8 pm National Library and Archives Auditorium, 395 Wellington at Bay
The Spirit of Rasputin’s is pleased to tell you about a wonderful upcoming event in support of Amnesty International – a very worthy cause! If you love great musicianship, theatre, comedy, enjoy an evening of fun, or just want to support Amnesty International, head on down to the 4th Annual Ottawa Opry, at the National Library and Archives Auditorium, 395 Wellington at Bay on Friday, April 8, 2011, at 8:00 p.m! This event is organized annually by Spirit member Pat Moore. Information is on our website and on Pat’s website (http://www NULL.patmoore NULL.net/), where you can also get tickets on-line. If you attend, stop by the Spirit membership table in the foyer and say hello.
April 9 – Fearing & White
8pm Westboro Masonic Hall – This will sell out!!
If you didn’t get your tickets early, it’s almost too late! As I prepare this email, only a few tickets remain at Collected Works Bookstore, 1242 Wellington West.
April 17 and 19 – The Great Canadian Song Along
7pm Whispers Pub and Eatery
Presented annually by Writers’ Bloc and Spirit of Rasputin’s, this years song writing topics are:
Find out how to participate here on our website.
May 1 – Songs of Protest, Songs of Hope (Gil’s Hootenanny)
7:30pm Westboro Masonic Hall
Presented in cooperation with The Canadian Union of Public Employees, this is the 2nd annual Gil’s Hootenanny. From now on, this event will always be on May Day (May 1st) which this year falls on a Sunday. There is a lot more to say about this event…the list of performers is huge…so check out the promo on the website. If you like to sing, if you support the labour movement, or if you were there but are still trying to remember the 60′s, don’t miss this!
And finally, mark your calendars for the following events later on in the spring, all at the Westboro Masonic Hall:
May 14 The Echo Hunters (find out more…)
May 28 Chrysalis – Missy Burgess is once again organizing this event where Ottawa sing writers sing the songs of other Ottawa song writers. More info on this in the next newsletter.
June 25 Rasputin’s Beard returns!! Carol Noel is organizing this “renewed” new band showcase. (find out more…)
The Jam has gone from the Georgetown, to the Elmdale, to Xpresso Cafe, and now…back to the Georgetown Sports Pub at 1159 Bank St. Same time (7pm) same day (Tuesdays).
Volunteer Coordinator
As Spirit of Rasputin’s grows, the role of Volunteer Coordinator becomes more important. Our by-laws describe it this way:
“The volunteer coordinator shall assure that sufficient volunteers are in place to plan and carry out all events authorized by the board. The Volunteer coordinator has the authority to establish teams and assign team leadership to assure that tasks required for the success of events are fulfilled in an efficient manner with due regard to workloads imposed on individual volunteers.”
This position requires strong inter-personal skills and sensitivity. An army may run on its stomach, but Spirit runs on the good will and contentment of its volunteers. At the moment this office is unfilled so “yours truly” is filling the void. As we go through the summer and organize the launch of next season’s events, the need for a dedicated volunteer coordinator becomes more critical.
If you, or someone you know, have the right stuff for this position, please reply to this email and tell the board of directors something about yourself and why you believe you are the right volunteer for this job.
Communications Team Leader
Spirit has a hard working and talented communications team. Each of our “worker bees” on this team has their own special talent: media relations, writing ad copy, working with social media, graphic design, technical writing, etc. The Communications Team Leader is someone who can pull all this together to give direction to the team. If you might be interested in this volunteer position, please respond to this newsletter for more information.
That’s it for now…I have to go buy my tux for the Royal Wedding!!
Cheers,
Hollis Morgan
President
Spirit of Rasputin’s Arts Society
(613) 832-9235
Hi
In this newsletter:
March is here and the maple sugar farms are gearing up for another sweet season. Meanwhile, back at the Spirit of Rasputin’s ranch, we are gearing up for Marie-Lynn Hammond’s sweet deliverance on our concert stage on March 19th. Marie-Lynn (who Brian Silcoff calls “my favourite Canadian folk singer”) has a pedigree longer than Grigori Rasputin’s beard. There’s a great introduction to her on the website (http://www NULL.rasputins NULL.ca) that covers her amazingly long and durable career. Go there and take a few minutes to listen to the mp3 of Not Another Benefit (to which all you musicians out there will surely relate), and watch the video of her haunting ballad Thomas Foster. The five CD’s she has to her credit are, on their own, a noteworthy accomplishment. But I am struck by the depth of her national exposure as recounted in her radio and television credits:
Person 2 Person with Paula Todd, The Vinyl Café, Sounds like Canada, Swinging on a Star, Musical Friends, Morningside, The Ian Tyson Show, The Al Hamel Show, Variety Tonight, The George Hamilton IV Show, CBC Radio Canada Day Special from Lahr, Germany
I think a breathe of fresh spring air from Marie-Lynn is just what we need as this winter draws to a close.
Tickets are available on-line at Rasputin’s e-store, at the Ottawa Folklore Center, 1111 Bank St., and at Collected Works Bookstore 1242 Wellington West.
The next two 10am Saturday morning folkcasts are March 5th and March 19. If you like your Saturday mornings “neat”, come to the Folklore Centre, 1111 Bank St, and participate in this video recording extravaganza. Stop by to watch, or sign up to record one of your own songs by contacting John Lloyd (in advance please) at 613 898-2952 or by email at: carefulwiththatelephant@gmail.com.
We have a new on-line form for joining Spirit of Rasputin’s Arts Society,. when you complete and submit the on-line form, your application will arrive in the inbox of our Membership Chairperson (Katherine Gunn). Once processed, she will e-mail you an invoice for our very modest 2011 membership dues. you can then pay your dues quickly and easily on-line (there will be a link you can click) or you may still mail in a check or pay in person at any Spirit of Rasputin’s event.
Your $20 membership dues will:
As a member you will:
That’s it for now. Perhaps I’ll see some of you at the Open Stage at Whispers on Monday or at the Folk-a-long Jam at Xpresso Cafe on Tuesday.
Cheers,
Hollis Morgan
President, Spirit of Rasputins (http://www NULL.rasputins NULL.ca/)
Hey Folks – Get ready to “confabulate!”
The Board of Directors of The Spirit of Rasputins Arts Society invites all members to the first Annual General Meeting of the Corporation on Sunday, February 13, 2011 between 2pm and 5pm at the Westboro Masonic Hall, 430 Churchill Ave (at Byron) in Ottawa.
Coffee, tea, and water will be available. There will be a jam session following the day’s business.
Members are reminded of their right to vote by proxy.
For your convenience, a proxy form is attached to the e-mail format of this notice and is also available at: http://rasputins.ca/pdfs/SoR_MemberProxyForm.pdf
This is Spirit’s first AGM and the first opportunity for our new membership (32 and growing!) to influence the tone and direction of the organization. We are meeting in the wonderful WMH concert hall so we have space for you all and sincerely hope most members will participate. This is a social as well as business event. Bring your instruments! The business part should only take a couple of hours at most.
All by-law amendments require a 2/3 majority vote. All other voting items require a simple majority.
1. Resolution to fix dues at $20
WHEREAS annual dues assist the Corporation to pay for unavoidable fixed costs such as liability insurance and assist the Corporation to establish new programs such as new artist development; and
WHEREAS the membership has expressed a willingness to pay modest annual dues; and
WHEREAS the members do not wish the level of dues to be an impediment to membership or participation for anyone; therefore
BE IT RESOLVED that BY-LAW No. 1, paragraph 3 be amended as follows:
“3. Membership in the corporation is limited to persons interested in furthering the objects of the Corporation. Anyone is a member who has applied to be a member; and whose application is accompanied by the annual dues specified in these by-laws or by a request for forgiveness of dues, and whose application has been approved by the board of directors of the Corporation.”
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that BY-LAW No. 1 paragraph 4 be amended as follows:
“4. Annual membership dues are $20 Canadian funds payable by cash or check at the beginning of the Corporate fiscal year. The rights of membership are suspended for any member whose dues remain delinquent for 90 days or more. The board of directors at their sole discretion have the authority to forgive any member’s dues in full or in part and subsequently to restore a member’s rights of membership.”
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the board of directors consider allowing the payment of annual dues using the Corporations PayPal account and the Corporations website, and to establish such a mechanism for payment if so desired.
2. Amendment to strengthen the right to vote by proxy
WHEREAS notification of member’s right to vote by proxy is currently optional, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED that BY-LAW No. 1 paragraph 11 be amended as follows:
“11. Notice of each meeting of members where a vote is anticipated shall contain a reminder of the member’s right to vote by proxy and directions on how the member may obtain a proxy form.”
3. Gender neutral wording
BE IT RESOLVED that BY-LAW No. 1, paragraph 40, be amended to replace both references to “He” with “The treasurer”.
4. Number of directors
WHEREAS the size of the board of directors is not currently specified, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED that BY-LAW No.1 paragraph 15 be amended as follows:
“15. The property and business of the Corporation shall be managed by a board of directors with a minimum of three directors and a maximum of five directors.”
5. Electoral process
WHEREAS there is a legal requirement for three directors to retire each year; and
WHEREAS the electoral process for directors as worded is approximate; therefore
BE IT RESOLVED that BY-LAW No. 1 paragraph 17 be amended as follows:
“17. At each annual general meeting of members, the members shall elect the number of directors required to re-establish a board of five directors. Two directors elected at each annual meeting will serve a two year term. All others will serve a one year term. Newly elected directors will decide among themselves the distribution of one and two year terms and communicate their decision to the members. A director is eligible for re-election. The purpose of this approach is to enhance continuity, while still providing for annual elections.”
5. Governance: requirement for a president and other officers
WHEREAS the Corporations Act of Ontario requires the election of a president by the board of directors from among themselves; and
WHEREAS the normal duties of a president are to chair all board meetings and to provide strategic guidance and inspiration to the board and membership; and
WHEREAS the duties prescribed for the office of general manager in BY-LAW No.1 paragraph 38 include the normal duties of both an operational manager and a president which is too extensive for one office or person; and
WHEREAS the involvement and recognition of the large numbers of volunteers and the coordination of volunteers is not adequately recognized in the description and duties of officers, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED that BY_LAW No.1 paragraph 35 be amended as follows:
“35. The officers of the Corporation shall be a president, operational coordinator, assistant coordinator, secretary, treasurer and any other officers that the board of directors, by by-law, determines. Except for the president, officers need not be members or directors. The president shall be a member and a director.”
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that BY-LAW No 1 paragraph 38 be amended to replace the office of general manager with the office of president as follows:
“38. The board of directors shall elect a president from among themselves who shall chair all board, annual and special meetings, and shall see that the orders and resolutions of the members and board of directors are carried out. The president shall assume an active leadership role in the Corporation and be available for public events and to represent the Corporation as necessary.”
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that BY-LAW No. 1 paragraph 39 be amended to describe the offices of operational coordinator and assistant coordinator as follows:
“39(1) The operational coordinator shall assure that sufficient volunteers are in place to plan and carry out all events authorized by the board. The operational coordinator has the authority to establish teams and assign team leadership to assure that tasks required for the success of events are fulfilled in an efficient manner with due regard to workloads imposed on individual volunteers.”
39(2)The assistant coordinator, in the absence or disability of the operational coordinator, performs the duties and exercises the powers of the operational coordinator and performs such other duties as are from time to time imposed by the board.”
Recommendation to the board
New Artist Development Program
WHEREAS new artist development is a core objective for Spirit of Rasputins; and
WHEREAS new artist development has not received adequate attention in our formative year; therefore
BE IT RESOLVED that the board of directors seek a volunteer to lead a New Artist Development Program with the goal of establishing workshops, concert opportunities, mentor-ships, and other assistance to emerging young artists in the Ottawa area.
2011 Audit Committee
WHEREAS Paul Slater is a member in good standing and has agreed to serve, and
WHEREAS Sylvia Bogusis is a member in good standing and has agreed to serve, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED that Paul Slater and Sylvia Bogusis be appointed as the 2011 Audit Committee for the Corporation.
Candidates for the 2011 Board of Directors
Hi Folks,
Just a reminder about the concert tonight! I’m really looking forward to it. Kaylen and Kelly Prescott and Adam Puddington are incredibly talented. But then we have the added bonus of Tracey Brown and Randall Prescott joining them for the show. It will be an Ottawa Valley event, not to be missed.
See our home page for more details www.rasputins.ca (http://www NULL.rasputins NULL.ca/).
Time: Doors open at 7:30, concert starts at 8:00.
Locations: Westboro Masonic Hall, 430 Churchill Ave at Byron.
Bus Route: The number 2 goes to the corner of Churchill and Richmond, a short block away
Parking: There’s a small lot surrounding the hall. Also there’s the parking lot for the Churchill Alternative School around the corner on Ravenhill Ave.
Tickets: $20 or $15 for students
Regards,
George Laing
General Manager,
Spirit of Rasputin’s
kgcs@magma.ca (kgcs null@null magma NULL.ca)
H 613 729-7252
C 613 447-4616
www.rasputins.ca
Folks,
Some exciting news regarding the Prescott concert… As most of you know, Kelly and Kaylen, the brother and sister who make up Prescott, are carrying on a fine musical family tradition that goes back generations. Those roots include Grandfathers Joe Brown and Irwin Prescott who are both members of the Ottawa Valley Country Music Hall of Fame. Well, the news is that Kelly and Kaylen, whose bent is towards alt-country/Americana music, will be joined on stage by their parents, Tracey Brown and Randall Prescott, who are both pillars of the Ottawa Valley country music scene. This will be very cool! I’m really looking forward to it.
Also, check out Ron Moores’ Back 40 radio show on CKCU at noon on Saturday, the 13th. Kaylen and Kelly will be interviewed and may even play live on the radio.
Concert tickets are available at the Folklore Centre. Tickets are $20 or $15 for students.
Hope to see you at the concert on November the 20th. (For more details go to www.rasputins.ca (http://www NULL.rasputins NULL.ca/).)
Cheers,
George Laing
General Manager,
Spirit of Rasputin’s
kgcs@magma.ca (kgcs null@null magma NULL.ca)
H 613 729-7252
C 613 447-4616
www.rasputins.ca (http://www NULL.rasputins NULL.ca/)
Hi Folks,
The Beard last Sunday and the Open Stage on Monday were both lots of fun. Dancers did the two-step to the Cajun sounds of godknowswhat on Sunday and danced to Deni Kahis’ singing and drumming on Monday. Monday was Red Bronson’s last day as our bartender, at least until the fall. He performed with Missy Burgess and a bunch of us as part of his send off. He also had some copies of Chloe Perault’s new CD (featuring Red on various instruments). BTW, Monday also featured are first break-dancing, banjo-playing, scat-singer.
Don’t forget the Terry Gillespie concert the Sunday. Also check out Terry on Chopper McKinnon’s CKCU radio show this Saturday at around 11:00 am. Terry Gillespie will be appearing with Terry Owen (on Sax). Terry Owen has honed his skills with some of the best R & B and Roots musicians in Canada and the United States. His tasteful, soulful playing has enabled Terry Owen to work with a diverse range of artists including the legendary Dutch Mason, Drew Nelson, Bo Diddley, The Platters, Percy Sledge and the Grammy nominated Queen Bee and the Blue Hornet Band. The Terrys will also be joined by master hand-drummer Jeffery Grosvenor.
Call for Volunteers: Hey there, we still need more help with our efforts! Communications, concert staff, sound, and poster distribution are just a few areas where we need help. If you are interested in supporting the Ottawa folk music community here is your chance. If interested, just reply to this email.
Julie MacDonald is a regular at our Tuesday jam sessions. She’s a great violin player/singer. As well, she is an accomplish painter who is also a member of the Enriched Bread Artists collective. This weekend the collective presents Musicality which will feature on Sunday at 2:30, a improvisational musical performance by 3 jazz musicians interpreting Julie’s work. Intriguing eh?
Chrysalis is Coming Up! Calling all singers and pickers – We need more participants for the Chrysalis night on Thursday, May 27th! Chrysalis is an annual event where performers play 2 songs written by other Ottawa artists. It’s a fun way for Ottawa performers to promote each others’ songs. Contact Missy at burgesm@algonquincollege.com (burgesm null@null algonquincollege NULL.com) to sign up and perform.
Here are our regular reminders:
Sunday May 2nd, 7:00 pm: Concert – Terry Gillespie DUO, with Terry Owen In 2008 Sue Foley told Terry to “STOP hiding behind bands”. Well – he didn’t know what to think of that. But he never forgot what she said. Last year when he was on interferon treatment he took advantage of his down-time to experiment and it turns out he loves the intimate, up close and personal, acoustic performances. Now he gets it! DUO is for listening and getting carried away in the music, Terry tells tales out of school about the tunes and his experiences. It is intimate and close, conversation happens spontaneously with the audience and there is always quiet laughter. You can ask the musicians questions and get a thoughtful answer. All to the sway of the music . Terry has developed tunes especially for DUO. Terry Owen is a member of the Grammy-nominated group, Queen Bee and the Blue Hornet Band. Terry has also invited master hand drummer Jeffery Grosvenor to sit in. Tickets are $20, available at the Elmdale and Ottawa Folklore Centre.
Sunday May 9th, 7:00 pm: CKCU Weekend Wrap-Up featuring the Dusty Drifters This is a mini-fundraiser for CKCU 93.1 FM – your community radio station supporting local live music! With hosts Pat Moore and Steve Neale, the evening starts with a featured artist, and ends with an open stage – bring your axe, team up with others or play solo, anything goes! The mere $5 cover charge is split between the featured act and CKCU! Come on out, support CKCU, live music, and have a great time.
The Spirit of Rasputin’s Open Stage runs Monday nights at the Elmdale, starting at 7:00 pm. But you may want to get there early to sign-up to perform. Performers typically do two songs, and generally we can fit in about 16 performers each evening. No cover charge. The Rasputin’s open stage has a history that goes back 27 years. It is presented in a distinctive “listening environment” which performers love and the Elmdale is continuing. Come out and listen in, or perform a song or two yourself
The Spirit of Rasputin’s Folk Jam runs Tuesday nights at the Elmdale. The jams have a 7:00 pm start time. It is an acoustic jam, where musicians sit in a circle and take turns leading songs of their choice. Musicians and singers are welcome to join in. Note that the jam sessions are not structured as a performance per se, but anyone is always welcome to come and have a drink, chat and listen-in
Regards,
George Laing
General Manager,
Spirit of Rasputin’s
Hi Folks,
Well I just got back from my Arizona biking holiday with “the boys”. The scenery was amazing. Just like the old western movies. The mountain biking was fun too, until I flew over the handle bars on the last day. I have bruises on my bruises. Ouch!
The Ian Tamblyn concert was a big success! Everyone got in, it was almost sold out. Good songs and storytelling. Jake’s got a bunch of pictures on his website: www.withflare.org/Images/SOR/2010-04-18%20SoR-Tamblyn (http://www NULL.withflare NULL.org/Images/SOR/2010-04-18%20SoR-Tamblyn)
This Sunday, we have the second Rasputin’s Beard. Four bands, no cover. I have never seen any of these bands, but that’s part of the fun. If the first Beard is any indication, this Sunday will be lots of fun.
Tickets are on sale for our Terry Gillespie concert. I think this will be a really interesting event. I’ve seen Terry play around Ottawa for years, and it’s always in a band format. There is something mystical about him. You often see him with a jam band, where they haven’t really practised together, but Terry is able to pull them together into a hypnotizing groove. One of my favourite blues numbers is Howling Wolf’s Smokestack Lightnin’. It is an odd number. There is only one chord in the whole song, and it has this blues lick that is repeated over and over through the whole song. It could put audiences to sleep, so few bands attempt it. But I’ve seen Terry do this with a band, and been blown away. It’s that mystic hypnotizing groove again! For our Spirit concert, Terry is going without the big band. Instead he is playing in a totally different format with Terry Owen of the Grammy nominated Queen Bee and the Blue Hornet Band. Terry has also invited master hand drummer Jeffery Grosvenor to sit in. This is a great chance to see the mystic stretch in a new direction.
Volunteers: If you are interested in supporting the Ottawa folk music community here is your chance. The Spirit is has plenty of room for more volunteer support. If interested, just send me an email.
Our friend, and old Rasputinite, Robert Yip organizes Asian Heritage Month each May. This year, they have over 30 events, most of which are free. It begins April 29th and ends with the ever popular, highly entertaining Gala Concert on May 29. In between, there will be many interesting events at Library & Archives Canada and other venues. See www.AsianHeritageMonth.net (http://www NULL.asianheritagemonth NULL.net/) for details.
Calling all singers and pickers – Missy Burgess wants more participants for the Chrysalis night on Thursday, May 27th! Chrysalis is an annual event where performers play 2 songs written by other Ottawa artists. It’s a fun way for Ottawa performers to promote each others’ songs. Contact Missy at burgesm@algonquincollege.com (burgesm null@null algonquincollege NULL.com) to sign up and perform.
Here are our regular reminders:
Sunday Apr 25th, 7:00 pm: Rasputin’s Beard – A New Band Showcase – Fans of live music, uncover what’s right under your nose! - Bands, reveal your musical magic. Contact Hollis at hmorgan@hollismorgan.com (hmorgan null@null hollismorgan NULL.com) to sign up. This runs the 4th Sunday of every month. It’s an open stage for duos or groups. But it’s a little different than normal open stages in that bands are asked to book ahead. Featured bands this week are: “Julie Element & The Elementals” (folk/celtic) – “godknowswhat” (celtic/folk and well…god knows!) – “Old Whiskey Road” (alt country) – “Josh Taerk” (a singer/songwriter from Toronto). No cover.
Sunday May 2nd, 7:00 pm: Concert – Terry Gillespie DUO, with Terry Owen In 2008 Sue Foley told Terry to “STOP hiding behind bands”. Well – he didn’t know what to think of that. But he never forgot what she said. Last year when he was on interferon treatment he took advantage of his down-time to experiment and it turns out he loves the intimate, up close and personal, acoustic performances. Now he gets it! DUO is for listening and getting carried away in the music, Terry tells tales out of school about the tunes and his experiences. It is intimate and close, conversation happens spontaneously with the audience and there is always quiet laughter. You can ask the musicians questions and get a thoughtful answer. All to the sway of the music . Terry has developed tunes especially for DUO. Terry Owen is a member of the Grammy-nominated group, Queen Bee and the Blue Hornet Band. Terry has also invited master hand drummer Jeffery Grosvenor to sit in. Tickets are $20, available at the Elmdale and Ottawa Folklore Centre.
The Spirit of Rasputin’s Open Stage runs Monday nights at the Elmdale, starting at 7:00 pm. But you may want to get there early to sign-up to perform. Performers typically do two songs, and generally we can fit in about 16 performers each evening. No cover charge. The Rasputin’s open stage has a history that goes back 27 years. It is presented in a distinctive “listening environment” which performers love and the Elmdale is continuing. Come out and listen in, or perform a song or two yourself
The Spirit of Rasputin’s Folk Jam runs Tuesday nights at the Elmdale. The jams have a 7:00 pm start time. It is an acoustic jam, where musicians sit in a circle and take turns leading songs of their choice. Musicians and singers are welcome to join in. Note that the jam sessions are not structured as a performance per se, but anyone is always welcome to come and have a drink, chat and listen-in
Regards,
George Laing
General Manager,
Spirit of Rasputin’s
George@rasputins.ca (George null@null rasputins NULL.ca)
Hello Folks!
George Laing is basking in sunny Arizona and asked me to send you a quick update.
Tickets are still available for Ian Tamblyn with Andy Mason opening this Sunday, April 18th. It should be a fantastic show that you won’t want to miss! – so get your’s soon – at the Elmdale or the Folklore Centre.
Speaking of great shows you may have missed – Al Wood delivered an outstanding performance in last Sunday’s CKCU Weekend Wrap-up. Check out Dan Arnott’s review at w (http://www NULL.rasputins NULL.ca/)ww.rasputins.ca (http://www NULL.rasputins NULL.ca/) for a slice of that fab evening hosted by Pat Moore. Also check out Tony Turner’s review of the highly successful 18th Annual Song-Along.
Here’s an exciting update. I was at the Folk Jam on Tuesday – and we do indeed have a new stage and high tech lights as well! courtesy of Bruce Myles and the Elmdale Tavern. So now everyone should be able to see our excellent performers now without difficulty (ten people with guitars on the stage was a wee bit tight though! 
Here are some upcoming events :
Rasputin’s Beard : the April 25th show will include: Julie Element & The Elementals – folk/celtic, godknowswhat – celtic/folk and well…god knows.. Old Whiskey Road – alt country, and Josh Taerk – a singer/songwriter from Toronto.
Other Upcoming Events:
Terry Gillespie with Terry Owen: May 2nd
Tony Turner, Tom Lips and Rob Heath: May 16th
Chrysalis: May 27th
Gil Levine Tribute with host Chris White: June 6th
Terry Tufts with Mark Ferguson & John Geggie: June 20th
George wants to remind everyone that if you haven’t been to our Spirit of Rasputin’s website recently, you should check it out. It does indeed look excellent! Many thanks again to Hollis Morgan and Christian Delahousse for building this, to Jake Morrison and Kate Morgan for terrific photos and to our “crack communications team” for content which includes Dan Arnott and Hazel May Lebrun (who also have reviews on Song-Along) as well as Choopy McWilliam and Jenn Flyn.
So while George is off cycling, I will take this opportunity to shamelessly plug my article on Ian Tamblyn www.rasputins.ca (http://www NULL.rasputins NULL.ca/) and again encourage you to come out and see the show on Sunday.
Here are the regular reminders:
Rasputin’s Beard runs every 4th Sunday of the month at 7pm. The Beard is an open stage for folk ensembles…duos, trios, quartets, or larger! Each group gets a 40 minute slot…which includes 10 minutes of setup time…providing about 25 or thirty minutes of playing. So with a quick setup there is time enough for five or six songs. This emulates a typical festival set. Expect the same high quality professional sound the Spirit of Rasputin’s provides for all its Sunday concerts. Register in advance with host, Hollis Morgan at 613-832-9235 or hmorgan@hollismorgan (hmorgan null@null hollismorgan NULL.com). Space is limited to four ensembles per show, first come first booked.
CKCU Weekend Wrap-Up – every 2nd Sunday of the month. This is a mini-fundraiser for CKCU 93.1 FM – your community radio station, building community and supporting local live music! Hosted by Pat Moore (or Steve Neale), the evening starts with Pat and a featured artist sitting down and doing a little interview before the artist performs their set. The last set will be an open stage, so – bring your instrument, team up with others or play solo, anything goes! The $5 cover charge is split between the featured act and CKCU. Come on out, support CKCU and local live music; it’s always a great time!
The Spirit of Rasputin’s Open Stage runs Monday nights at the Elmdale, starting at 7:00 pm. But you may want to get there early to sign-up to perform. Performers typically do two songs, and generally we can fit in about 16 performers each evening. No cover charge. The Rasputin’s open stage has a history that goes back 27 years. It is presented in a distinctive “listening environment” which performers love and the Elmdale is continuing. Come out and listen in, or perform a song or two yourself
The Spirit of Rasputin’s Folk Jam runs Tuesday nights at the Elmdale. The jams have a 7:00 pm start time. It is an acoustic jam, where musicians sit in a circle and take turns leading songs of their choice. Musicians and singers are welcome to join in. Note that the jam sessions are not structured as a performance per se, but anyone is always welcome to come and have a drink, chat and listen-in.
Cheers!
Lynn Stevenson
Volunteer, Communications, Spirit of Rasputin’s
Hi Folks,
Song A Long started last night and finishes of tonight! Last night was very nice. A good supportive crowd. A casual and appreciative environment.
We had another good concert on Sunday. Two women, Lindsay Ferguson and Emily Fennell, both with excellent voices. We have some photos on our website http://rasputins.ca/gallery/concerts/ and also, Jake has some on his website too www.withflare.org/Images/SoR/2010-04-04%20Ferguson-Fennell (http://www NULL.withflare NULL.org/Images/SoR/2010-04-04%20Ferguson-Fennell)
This Sunday is the CKCU Weekend Wrap-up, with this month’s featured performer being Al Wood. It should be fun.
If you haven’t been to our Spirit of Rasputin’s website recently, you should take some time and check it out. It has been completely overhauled. And it is really great. I’d like to nominate it for Best Music Website in the Country! (Maybe we have to bring back the old Razzie’s awards night.) Our website has great photos, interesting articles and lots of info. Much thanks to Hollis Morgan and Christian Delahousse, our web guru and web master for building this. Also thanks to our Comms Team (Lynn Stevenson, Dan Arnott, Hazel May Lebrun, Choopy McWilliam and Jen Flynn) for content and to Jake Morrison and Kate Morgan for photos. www.rasputins.ca (http://www NULL.rasputins NULL.ca/)
The Ian Tamblyn concert is coming soon. Check out details in the reminders below. The tickets are selling well. To avoid disappointment, it would be a good idea to pick up your tickets in advance. There is a chance that this one could sellout. Tickets are available at the Elmdale and the Folklore Centre.
Some news… Several people have told me how it is difficult to see the performers when we have a crowd on hand, or when the performer sits down to play. Good news! Bruce Myles will be starting on building a stage next week. I’m looking forward to seeing it in use.
You may remember that Missy Burgess wrote a Song For Haiti and has performed it recently at the Open Stage. Well, Missy has recorded the song with the help of Danny Artuso. It turned out beautifully. Here’s the song on YouTube over a montage of photos taken in the aftermath of the disaster. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XP5vE74bHfE (http://www NULL.youtube NULL.com/watch?v=XP5vE74bHfE) Lynn Stevenson has also written an article about that song in particular, and song-writing in general. It’s on the main page of our website www.rasputins.ca (http://www NULL.rasputins NULL.ca/)
Here are our regular reminders:
Wednesday, Thursday, Apr 7th and 8th, 7:00 pm: The 18th Annual Great Canadian Song A Long
Presented by Writer’s Bloc and Spirit of Rasputin’s – Come out and support some of Ottawa’s best songwriters. Ever wondered how songs get written? See yourself as a musical muse? Here’s your chance to find out… So far, 32 songwriters have signed up over 2 nights singing new songs on one of 4 topics – Lucky; I Wonder; Ghosts; The trouble with… For information contact Tony Turner tony@tonyturner.ca (tony null@null tonyturner NULL.ca) or Greg Kelly gregoryk100@rogers.com (gregoryk100 null@null rogers NULL.com)
Sunday Apr 11th, 7:00 pm: CKCU Weekend Wrap-Up – This is a mini-fundraiser for CKCU 93.1 FM – your community radio station, building community and supporting local live music! Hosted by Pat Moore (or Steve Neale), the evening starts with Pat and a featured artist sitting down and doing a little interview before the artist performs their set. The last set will be an open stage, so – bring your instrument, team up with others or play solo, anything goes! The $5 cover charge is split between the featured act and CKCU. Come on out, support CKCU and local live music; it’ll be a great time. Apr 11th featured act is: Al Wood ( http://www.myspace.com/alwoodmusic (http://www NULL.myspace NULL.com/alwoodmusic)). The “Wrap-Up” will runs every 2nd Sunday of the month.
Sunday Apr 18th, 7:00 pm: Concert – Ian Tamblyn with Andy Mason opening
Ian Tamblyn, musician, wilderness guide, playwright, photographer, honorary doctor at Lakehead University, and Canadian folk scenester, stops at the Elmdale House Tavern on April 18th. Independent since 1972, he has recorded 32 albums, many of which have been released in the US, Japan, and Italy. Endowed with a great love for the lore and landscapes of our country, Ian will no doubt put on a great show. Ian will be accompanied by guitarist extraordinaire, Fred Guignon. Also on the bill is Andy Mason, a multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter who’s been writing and performing for 20+ years, winning a Native-E Music Award in Albuquerque in 2008. Tickets are $15, available at the Elmdale and Ottawa Folklore Centre.
The Spirit of Rasputin’s Open Stage runs Monday nights at the Elmdale, starting at 7:00 pm. But you may want to get there early to sign-up to perform. Performers typically do two songs, and generally we can fit in about 16 performers each evening. No cover charge. The Rasputin’s open stage has a history that goes back 27 years. It is presented in a distinctive “listening environment” which performers love and the Elmdale is continuing. Come out and listen in, or perform a song or two yourself
The Spirit of Rasputin’s Folk Jam runs Tuesday nights at the Elmdale. The jams have a 7:00 pm start time. It is an acoustic jam, where musicians sit in a circle and take turns leading songs of their choice. Musicians and singers are welcome to join in. Note that the jam sessions are not structured as a performance per se, but anyone is always welcome to come and have a drink, chat and listen-in
Regards,
George Laing
General Manager,
Spirit of Rasputin’s
Hi Folks,
We had a lot of fun at the Rasputin’s Beard last Sunday. Four bands, lots of energy and a juggler! Jake has pictures… www.withflare.org/Images/SpiritOfRasputins.html (http://www NULL.withflare NULL.org/Images/SpiritOfRasputins NULL.html).
Don’t forget this Sunday’s Lindsay Ferguson concert with guest Emily Fennell. Paul Symes of the Black Sheep Inn said that “Lindsay Ferguson is wild and wonderful, a professional and truly an excellent performer”. Lindsay’s album “SOUND” was acclaimed by the Citizen as Canada’s 2nd Best album of 2007 (only after Feists “Reminder”).
Emily Fennell will also be a treat! She has a strong voice and while with the Emily Fennell Band, she showed the rocky edge. She now is performing as “Miss Emily” performing solo on piano and occasionally guitar. In Picton she recently headlined a show at the Regent Theatre with members of the Bourbon Tabernacle Choir and the Spin Doctors as the opening act. We are lucky to get her for tomorrow’s show! Cliff Fabri, who’s credited with discovering Avril Lavigne said that “The talent was unbelievable.” Referring to her song “The Sellout”, he said “It was like nothing I’ve heard in probably 40 years. It’s got the big voice and incredible vocals,” He said her voice made him think of “Amy Winehouse meets Janis Joplin.”
Should be a good show on Sunday. See reminder below.
The Song A Long event runs this Wednesday and Thursday. Song A Long started years ago, and is an annual event that takes place in cities across the world. Again, check out the reminder below.
Here are our regular reminders:
Sunday Apr 4th, 7:00 pm: Concert – Lindsay Ferguson with Emily Fennell
Lindsay was voted 2008′s “Best New Artist” by Ottawa Xpress. With a voice comparable to Joni Mitchell, Sinead O’Connor, and Kate Bush, Lindsay has spent the year touring and writing, sharing the stage with Steve Earle, Kathleen Edwards, and Harry Manx, to name a few. Paul Symes of the Black Sheep, says “Lindsay Ferguson is wild and wonderful, a professional and truly an excellent performer”.
After five years, 1000 shows, three original acts and one baby, Prince Edward County’s Emily Fennell returns to her musical roots – performing solo. Self-accompanied on piano and guitar, Fennell performs an assortment of original songs from projects old (Emily Fennell Band, Sugarplum) and new (Miss Emily). Alan Neil of CBC Radio said of Emily, “I think I’ve officially found my new favourite Canadian voice!”. Tickets are $15, soon available at the Ottawa Folklore Centre and the Elmdale.
Wednesday, Thursday, Apr 7th and 8th, 7:00 pm: The 18th Annual Great Canadian Song A Long
Presented by Writer’s Bloc and Spirit of Rasputin’s – Come out and support some of Ottawa’s best songwriters. Ever wondered how songs get written? See yourself as a musical muse? Here’s your chance to find out… So far, 32 songwriters have signed up over 2 nights singing new songs on one of 4 topics – Lucky; I Wonder; Ghosts; The trouble with… For information contact Tony Turner tony@tonyturner.ca (tony null@null tonyturner NULL.ca) or Greg Kelly gregoryk100@rogers.com (gregoryk100 null@null rogers NULL.com)
Sunday Apr 11th, 7:00 pm: CKCU Weekend Wrap-Up – This is a mini-fundraiser for CKCU 93.1 FM – your community radio station, building community and supporting local live music! Hosted by Pat Moore (or Steve Neale), the evening starts with Pat and a featured artist sitting down and doing a little interview before the artist performs their set. The last set will be an open stage, so – bring your instrument, team up with others or play solo, anything goes! The $5 cover charge is split between the featured act and CKCU. Come on out, support CKCU and local live music; it’ll be a great time. Apr 11th featured act is: Al Wood ( http://www.myspace.com/alwoodmusic (http://www NULL.myspace NULL.com/alwoodmusic)). The “Wrap-Up” will runs every 2nd Sunday of the month.
The Spirit of Rasputin’s Open Stage runs Monday nights at the Elmdale, starting at 7:00 pm. But you may want to get there early to sign-up to perform. Performers typically do two songs, and generally we can fit in about 16 performers each evening. No cover charge. The Rasputin’s open stage has a history that goes back 27 years. It is presented in a distinctive “listening environment” which performers love and the Elmdale is continuing. Come out and listen in, or perform a song or two yourself
The Spirit of Rasputin’s Folk Jam runs Tuesday nights at the Elmdale. The jams have a 7:00 pm start time. It is an acoustic jam, where musicians sit in a circle and take turns leading songs of their choice. Musicians and singers are welcome to join in. Note that the jam sessions are not structured as a performance per se, but anyone is always welcome to come and have a drink, chat and listen-in
Regards,
George Laing
General Manager,
Spirit of Rasputin’s
Hi Folks,
We had a really wonderful concert this past Sunday put on by Chris MacLean and her crew Fred Guignion, Stuart Watkins and Beth Cahill. I like quoting our photographer Jake Morrison because he sees so many performances – “the best lightly attended concert I’ve ever been to!” Here’s some concert photos www.withflare.org/Images/SOR/2010-03-21%20Chris%20MacLean (http://www NULL.withflare NULL.org/Images/SOR/2010-03-21%20Chris%20MacLean) .
This Sunday is the first Rasputin’s Beard. It’s the best bargain in live music! Four bands no cover! More details on the bands is on our website front page www.rasputins.ca (http://www NULL.rasputins NULL.ca/) .
And don’t forget the Lindsay Ferguson concert of April 4th. Should be a good one. See details below.
As of this past Tuesday, we have a new permanent Spirit of Rasputin’s poster up beside Keith Richards at the Elmdale. It looks great! Thanks to Kate Morgan and Roberta Huebener for design work and Bruce and Nat Myles for mounting the poster.
By the way, don’t forget Pat Moore’s annual Ottawa Opry benefit concert for Amnesty International. It’s this Saturday at 8:00 pm at the National Library and Archives, with a load of great talent, presented in a Grand Old Opry format.
Here are our regular reminders:
Sunday Mar 28th, 7:00 pm: Rasputin’s Beard – A New Band Showcase – Fans of live music, uncover what’s right under your nose! - Bands, reveal your musical magic. Contact Hollis at hmorgan@hollismorgan.com (hmorgan null@null hollismorgan NULL.com) to sign up. This runs the 4th Sunday of every month. It’s an open stage for duos or groups. But it’s a little different than normal open stages in that bands are asked to book ahead. Featured bands this week are: “Hurry Up & Wait”, “Hank’s Hangover”, “Shady Blue” and “One Big Smile“. No cover
Sunday Apr 4th, 7:00 pm: Concert – Lindsay Ferguson with Emily Fennell
Lindsay was voted 2008′s “Best New Artist” by Ottawa Xpress. With a voice comparable to Joni Mitchell, Sinead O’Connor, and Kate Bush, Lindsay has spent the year touring and writing, sharing the stage with Steve Earle, Kathleen Edwards, and Harry Manx, to name a few. Paul Symes of the Black Sheep, says “Lindsay Ferguson is wild and wonderful, a professional and truly an excellent performer”.
After five years, 1000 shows, three original acts and one baby, Prince Edward County’s Emily Fennell returns to her musical roots – performing solo. Self-accompanied on piano and guitar, Fennell performs an assortment of original songs from projects old (Emily Fennell Band, Sugarplum) and new (Miss Emily). Alan Neil of CBC Radio said of Emily, “I think I’ve officially found my new favourite Canadian voice!”. Tickets are $15, soon available at the Ottawa Folklore Centre and the Elmdale.
Wednesday, Thursday, Apr 7th and 8th, 7:00 pm: The 18th Annual Great Canadian Song A Long
Presented by Writer’s Bloc and Spirit of Rasputin’s – Come out and support some of Ottawa’s best songwriters. Ever wondered how songs get written? See yourself as a musical muse? Here’s your chance to find out… So far, 32 songwriters have signed up over 2 nights singing new songs on one of 4 topics – Lucky; I Wonder; Ghosts; The trouble with… For information contact Tony Turner tony@tonyturner.ca (tony null@null tonyturner NULL.ca) or Greg Kelly gregoryk100@rogers.com (gregoryk100 null@null rogers NULL.com)
Sunday Apr 11th, 7:00 pm: CKCU Weekend Wrap-Up – This is a mini-fundraiser for CKCU 93.1 FM – your community radio station, building community and supporting local live music! Hosted by Pat Moore (or Steve Neale), the evening starts with Pat and a featured artist sitting down and doing a little interview before the artist performs their set. The last set will be an open stage, so – bring your instrument, team up with others or play solo, anything goes! The $5 cover charge is split between the featured act and CKCU. Come on out, support CKCU and local live music; it’ll be a great time. Apr 11th featured act is: Al Wood ( http://www.myspace.com/alwoodmusic (http://www NULL.myspace NULL.com/alwoodmusic)). The “Wrap-Up” will runs every 2nd Sunday of the month.
The Spirit of Rasputin’s Open Stage runs Monday nights at the Elmdale, starting at 7:00 pm. But you may want to get there early to sign-up to perform. Performers typically do two songs, and generally we can fit in about 16 performers each evening. No cover charge. The Rasputin’s open stage has a history that goes back 27 years. It is presented in a distinctive “listening environment” which performers love and the Elmdale is continuing. Come out and listen in, or perform a song or two yourself
The Spirit of Rasputin’s Folk Jam runs Tuesday nights at the Elmdale. The jams have a 7:00 pm start time. It is an acoustic jam, where musicians sit in a circle and take turns leading songs of their choice. Musicians and singers are welcome to join in. Note that the jam sessions are not structured as a performance per se, but anyone is always welcome to come and have a drink, chat and listen-in
Regards,
George Laing
General Manager,
Spirit of Rasputin’s
Hi Folks,
Big news! Calling all piano players! The piano that is being donated to the Spirit of Rasputin’s by Chrysalis (Missy Burgess), Writer’s Bloc (Tony Turner, Pat Moore), the Rasputin’s Refugees (Sjef Frenken) and the Ottawa Folklore Centre has arrived! We will have it set up for the Monday, March 15th Open Stage and it’s inauguration. Come on down on Monday and help us celebrate. Note that the piano will also be available for the Sunday concerts and the Tuesday jams. Thanks again to Missy, Tony, Pat and Sjef. This is a wonderful donation!
As many of you know our Sunday concerts and Monday open stages are a huge success with lots of folks coming out. But our best kept secret is the Tuesday Folk Jam – if you haven’t been out to one yet, I would encourage you to do so. It’s a lot of fun, with good music and different musicians all the time. Contrary to what you may think, there is no “listening environment” for the Tuesday jams. They are much more casual than that with no “Shhhh Police” in sight. Everyone (musical talent or not) is encouraged to come out, have a beer, chat and soak in the atmosphere of this casual jam in a terrific tavern. And if you wish, bring your instruments and join in the jam circle!
Great music continuing at the Spirit. Sunday was the Michael Jerome Browne show with the Twin Rivers String Band. Michael is impressive. He did great work on 12-string guitar, a fretless gourd banjo, mandolin, fiddle and slide guitar, playing solo and with the band (Michael Ball, Jody Benjamin and Mary Gick). The evening was opened by Michael Ball and Jody Benjamin performing some of the Ball and Chain numbers. They had everyone singing along to The Last Cowboy in Town. I think the performers are enjoying playing the Spirit concerts. Michael and Jody said the especially appreciated how eager the crowd was to sing along.
Don’t forget the CKCU Weekend Wrap-Up this Sunday. This month’s performer is J.P. Ranger. I haven’t seen him myself, but when I told one of the staff at the Elmdale that he was coming she immediately remarked “Oh he’s good!”
Jake Morrison has re-organized his website so it’s a little easier to navigate Spirit of Rasputin‘s photos. He’s also added new photos from the Michael Jerome Browne concert as well as a great shot of the Tuesday jammers. http://www.withflare.org/Images/SpiritofRasputins.html (http://www NULL.withflare NULL.org/Images/SpiritofRasputins NULL.html)
Here’s our regular reminders:
Sunday Mar 14th, 7:00 pm: CKCU Weekend Wrap-Up – This is a mini-fundraiser for CKCU 93.1 FM – your community radio station, building community and supporting local live music! Hosted by Pat Moore (or Steve Neale), the evening starts with Pat and a featured artist sitting down and doing a little interview before the artist performs their set. The last set will be an open stage, so – bring your instrument, team up with others or play solo, anything goes! The $5 cover charge is split between the featured act and CKCU. Come on out, support CKCU and local live music; it’ll be a great time. Mar 14 featured act is: J. P. Ranger http://www.myspace.com/jprangerband (http://www NULL.myspace NULL.com/jprangerband) The “Wrap-Up” will runs every 2nd Sunday of the month.
Sunday Mar 21st, 7:00 pm: Concert - Chris MacLean with Fred Guignon, Stuart Watkins and special guest Beth Cahill Award winning singer/songwriter Chris MacLean paints a compelling picture of troubled landscapes filled nonetheless with hope. Her strong songwriting has earned her numerous awards including the Colleen Peterson 2008 songwriting award. Chris was a core member of world music ensemble GALITCHA as well as FRIDA’S BROW, which was nominated as Best Vocal Group in the 2008 Canadian Folk Music Awards. She currently performs solo, often accompanied by Fred Guignion (guitars). Chris has two solo recordings, Learn to Be Loved (2000) and Feet Be Still, (2009). Don’t miss this gorgeous performance on March 7th. Tickets are $15 available at the Elmdale and the Ottawa Folklore Centre. For more info go to: www.chrismaclean.com (http://www NULL.chrismaclean NULL.com/)
Sunday Mar 28th, 7:00 pm: Rasputin’s Beard – A New Band Showcase – Fans of live music, uncover what’s right under your nose! - Bands, reveal your musical magic. Contact Hollis at hmorgan@hollismorgan.com (hmorgan null@null hollismorgan NULL.com) to sign up. This runs the 4th Sunday of every month. It’s an open stage for duos or groups. But it’s a little different than normal open stages in that bands are asked to book ahead. Featured bands this week are: “Hurry Up & Wait”, “Hank’s Hangover”, “Shady Blue” and “One Big Smile“. No cover.
The Spirit of Rasputin’s Open Stage runs Monday nights at the Elmdale starting at 7:00 pm. But you may want to get there early to sign-up to perform. Performers typically do two songs, and generally we can fit in about 16 performers each evening. No cover charge. The Rasputin’s open stage has a history that goes back 27 years. It is presented in a distinctive “listening environment” which performers love and the Elmdale is continuing. Come out and listen in, or perform a song or two yourself.
The Spirit of Rasputin’s Folk Jam runs Tuesday nights at the Elmdale. The jams have a 7:00 pm start time. It is an acoustic jam, where musicians sit in a circle and take turns leading songs of their choice. Musicians and singers are welcome to join in. Note that the jam sessions are not structured as a performance per se, but anyone is always welcome to come and have a drink, chat and listen-in.
Regards,
George Laing
General Manager,
Spirit of Rasputin’s
